Brett Favre said Wednesday he will return for another season, putting off any thoughts of retirement for at least another year.
“I have every intention of coming back,” Favre, 34, said.
The words “I’ll be back” are scrawled across a photo of Favre on the cover of USA Today Sports Weekly, which hit newsstands Wednesday.
After leading the Packers to a three-point victory over Minnesota Nov. 2, Favre hinted strongly in an interview with the Associated Press that he wanted to play in 2004 and possibly beyond. He said at the time that he was having fun leading a youthful, revamped offense, and it hadn’t yet hit its peak.
Favre reiterated the comments Wednesday at his weekly news conference. Although he’s not performing to the level at which he became the NFL’s only three-time MVP in the late 1990s, in part because of a broken right thumb, Favre assured he has a lot to give.
The Packers have won five of seven games and caught Minnesota in the division standings since Favre suffered a broken thumb Oct. 19 at St. Louis.
Coles playing in pain
Washington Redskins receiver Laveranues Coles said Wednesday he has played nearly the entire season with a stress fracture in his foot.
The injury, which has bothered Coles since September, has made it painful to run routes, but it hasn’t stopped him from being one of the team’s most valuable assets in a dismal year. Coles leads the Redskins (5-9) with 69 catches for 1,023 yards. The Redskins play in Chicago Sunday.
“I tried to keep it under wraps,” Coles said. “Because as a football player, I feel there should be no excuses. When you step on the field, you have to perform. If I was man enough to step out there, I’m man enough to take the responsibilities that come with it. I didn’t really want to make a big issue of it.”
An NFL tour
Linebacker TJ Slaughter joined his third team this season when he signed with the Ravens. The 26-year-old Slaughter already has played this season for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers.
TEAM, SYNOPSIS
Oakland Raiders
DB Charles Woodson wants big contract, hopes it’s with Raiders. “I want every penny. I’m not going to keep that a secret,” said 4-time Pro Bowler, who could be unrestricted free agent after season. . . . G Mo Collins on IR; he’s 11th Raider lost for season.
Atlanta Falcons
Interim coach Wade Phillips trying to help players focus on football. “I have to have a feel for the team and get on them or back off,” Phillips said. “Whatever it takes to play as hard as they can.”
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars re-signed WR Matthew Hatchette, a week after waiving him. Hatchette, an opening-day starter, was inactive the 7 weeks before his release. He was out of football last season.
Tennessee Titans
Rookie QB Jason Gesser took all snaps Wednesday as Steve McNair rested ailing ankle. Titans want to re-sign 13-year vet Neil O’Donnell, 37, but face salary-cap problems. They might have only 2 QBs available Sunday vs. Texans, coach Jeff Fisher said.
Denver Broncos
RB Clinton Portis (knee, ankle) was held out of practice and listed as questionable for Sunday night’s game at Indianapolis. Coach Mike Shanahan said he’s hopeful NFL’s 2nd-leading rusher will rejoin workouts before the end of the week.
Cincinnati Bengals
A $10,000 fine, WR Chad Johnson’s 3rd of season, made little impact. He plans to ignore the NFL’s guidelines on celebrations and self-expression. “It doesn’t matter,” he said. “I’ve got two more games left [this season]–that’s two more fines.”
