The Minnesota Vikings have demanded that Brett Favre decide this week whether he will join the team, ESPN reports. The quarterback wanted to play for Minnesota last season, but was contractually unable. Retiring after his disastrous stint with the New York Jets would allow him to suit up for the Vikings, but a shoulder injury could interfere with his second NFL re-entry.
Both the Vikings and Favre seem to want to know whether shoulder surgery has fixed the problems of last season. Minnesota has scheduled team practice this week, presumably to see Favre throw, and the quarterback himself has expressed doubt about his throwing arm. Though he has been making passes since the surgery, insiders say the 39-year-old is still uncomfortable about a 19th season. (More Brett Favre stories.)