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Report: Favre expects to start against Patriots

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Brett Favre expects to start for the Minnesota Vikings against the New England Patriots on Sunday despite two fractures in his left ankle, according to a report by ESPN.

The network reported Saturday that Favre said in a telephone interview his injuries have healed significantly and that he plans to start, which would extend his record streak of consecutive regular-season starts to 292 games.

Favre wore a walking boot the first three days of the week and did not practice until Friday, when he only participated on a limited basis.

Favre was injured in a loss to the Green Bay Packers last weekend. He said Wednesday that he wanted to play to try and help the Vikings (2-4) turn things around after a slow start to the season.

Minnesota coach Brad Childress said Friday he “probably will” wait until the last hours before kickoff to decide whether Favre starts. He said his decision will be based on “Can he protect himself? And what gives us the best chance to win?”

The Associated Press left messages for the Vikings and Childress seeking comment. The team was on its way to Boston on Saturday.

Favre was listed questionable on the injury report on Friday, a status that means he has a 50-50 chance of playing in the game.

Complicating Childress’s decision is the historical significance of Favre’s streak and the 41-year-old’s poor play this season. His 68.0 quarterback rating is 30th in the league and he has committed 14 turnovers in the first six games.

Childress said all week that the streak would not play a role in his decision and it would come down to what is best for the team. If Favre cannot play, Tarvaris Jackson will get his first start since a playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2008 season.

This all comes as the NFL continues an investigation into allegations that Favre sent inappropriate messages and photos to a New York Jets game day hostess when both worked for the team in 2008.

The manager for the woman, Jenn Sterger, said on Saturday that it is likely she will meet with the NFL by the end of next week. Sterger has yet to cooperate with league officials.

Favre met with NFL vice president for security Milt Ahlerich on Oct. 19 to discuss the allegations, which were made in a report on the website Deadspin. The quarterback has repeatedly declined to comment on the investigation, calling it “a league issue.”

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