Brett Favre’s agent, offensive coordinator say quarterback will play if healthy

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It seems that talk of Brett Favre’s retirement from the NFL could possibly be premature ... yet again.

Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell -- a close friend of Favre’s -- and Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, both said Wednesday that the Vikings quarterback will play this season if his surgically repaired left ankle will allow it.

Speaking after practice in Mankato, Minn., Bevell said he has talked with Favre recently, but not in the last 24 hours, and his understanding all along has been that Favre will play if his ankle heals well enough.

Cook said basically the same thing -- that Favre will play if healthy enough and added that the quarterback will visit his surgeon next week.

Also on Wednesday, the day after reportedly texting Minnesota Vikings teammates to let them know he’s retiring after 19 NFL seasons, Favre was seen on the practice field at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Miss., where he has worked out informally with the young players for several years in preparation for the next season.

Favre told reporters he’s been in touch with the Vikings and “they know what’s going on with me.” He also said his decision is “not about the money.”

[Updated at 11:23 p.m.:

While attempting to leave the high school practice Wednesday, Favre told reporters he had not decided whether he would play this season and denied sending text messages to teammates saying he would not return, according to multiple sources.

Favre said the health of his ankle would determine if he is able to return, according to ESPN.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune is also reporting that the Vikings are willing to offer Favre a pay increase -- from $13 million to $16 million with another $4 million available in incentives -- to continue playing.]

-- Chuck Schilken