Brett Favre - Ankle Fractures

Brett Favre is not having a storybook season.

From the Star Tribune:

Brett Favre's first season with the Vikings bordered on magical. So far his second year in Minnesota has been devoid of any good fortune.

The latest dose of bad news for Favre came Monday when an MRI revealed the quarterback had suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle that could put an end to his NFL-record starting streak of 291 consecutive games.

Vikings coach Brad Childress said Favre is wearing a walking boot and actually has two fractures in the same foot, including an "avulsion" fracture in the heel bone. That type of fracture happens when a fragment of bone is torn away by a tendon or ligament.

Childress said Favre won't need surgery and he did not rule the veteran out of Sunday's game at New England. Given the quarterback's history of playing through injuries, it would be premature to assume backup Tarvaris Jackson will get the start.

"Once [Favre is] functional, he can play," Childress said. "As you know he's had ankle and heel problems for a long time, so that walking boot makes him a little bit more comfortable and I wouldn't rule anything out in terms of the end of the week. I don't really have a time frame on it."

...Through six games the Vikings are a disappointing 2-4 in the NFC North, and Favre had committed 14 turnovers that have led to 51 points by Vikings opponents. Favre's 10 interceptions are three more than he threw all of last season and are tied with the Saints' Drew Brees for most in the NFL.

Favre remains the focus of an ongoing NFL investigation to see if he violated the league's personal conduct policy by sending inappropriate photos of himself to a female employee of the Jets when he was with that team in 2008. He also has been bothered by tendinitis in his throwing elbow.

Then there is the matter of Favre's relationship with coach Brad Childress, which appears to be icy at best. The two had their differences last season when it came to playcalling, and Childress expressed his displeasure with Favre's decision-making after Sunday's game.

On Monday, Childress was asked if Favre was receptive to coaching at this point.

"My experience with quarterbacks is always when they are a little more humbled, they are always much more receptive," Childress said.

Earlier this month, Favre said he would be willing to sit out a game if he couldn't help the team because of his issue with tendinitis. At 41, Favre already isn't mobile and this latest ankle issue means he again is going to have to consider just how much he can help the team.

"I'm not going to rule him out," Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams said. "If he's out, somebody has to step up. But unless they cut his leg off, it's going to be hard to keep him off the field. That's the type of guy he is and what he's shown throughout his career."

I'm sure Favre could limp out there very briefly on Sunday and keep his streak alive, though he'd risk further damage to his ankle given his lack of mobility.

I don't think playing while unable to walk adds to his legend. I think it's irresponsible and sets a bad example. Sometimes playing with pain isn't commendable. It's just stupid.

The question is: Are the Vikings playing to win, or are they serving as a vehicle to be exploited by Favre for his self-aggrandizement?

Maybe his ankle will improve and he'll be ready to actually play rather than just carry out a stunt to preserve his remarkable streak.

Maybe Vicodin will become a regular part of Favre's diet again. I hope not.

Favre, ask not what the Vikings can do for you - ask what you can do for the Vikings.

Unfortunately, I don't think that's Favre's mindset. He's selfish.

The sexual harassment scandal and the disrespect he's shown to his wife and family are testament to that.

Retirement isn't such a bad thing. There's life after football. Favre can be proud of his incredible accomplishments on the field. And he can focus on his other interests - like photography.

I am so glad that Favre is the Vikings' problem now, and we can watch the drama from afar rather than be at the mercy of Favre's ego.