EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.
Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier saw encouraging signs from injured quarterback Brett Favre in today's practice, including the ability to complete a throwing motion, a "big hurdle" in Frazier's mind.
But the Vikings interim coach has a clear-cut guideline for Favre, who suffered a sprained sternoclavicular joint last week, to make his 298th consecutive start: Show he can make game-day throws on the Metrodome field the morning of Sunday's game against the Giants.
Favre's 10-yard tosses to a trainer during pre-practice warmups won't suffice.
Would Frazier end Favre's legendary starting streak if he doesn't like what he sees?
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"If that's what I have to do, then that's what I have to do," Frazier said. "But we'll see."
Favre will be a game-time decision after participating on a limited basis in today's practice. During the portion of practice open to media, Favre ran four plays with the first-team offense, handing off twice with his left hand and dropping back twice without throwing.
Favre's pain isn't from lifting his shoulder, Frazier said, but from following through on a throw that causes a sting through his neck area and the top of his shoulder.
Taking a cortisone shot before the game is an option, Frazier said, but one Favre would rather avoid in hopes of playing naturally.
"One of the concerns yesterday (was), 'Can I even go through the motion of having to complete a throw?' " Frazier said. "So we're past that hurdle and we'll
do some other things on Sunday and even tomorrow -- we'll do some things again tomorrow that we want to take a look at.
"If that's what I have to do, then that's what I have to do. But we'll see."
The Vikings are familiar with this will-he-or-won't-he melodrama with Favre, who was questionable for the Oct. 31 Patriots game with a fractured left heel.
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Several teammates already say they expect Favre to play, based on his track record.
"The type of guy he is, the only way to keep him off the field is if the sky falls," tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said.
The backup option is Tarvaris Jackson, who completed 15 of 22 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions in relief last week against Buffalo. Bills linebacker Arthur Moats injured Favre with a hit on the Vikings' third offensive play.
"I'm just trying to prepare hard, get ready to start," Jackson said. "I'd be kind of surprised (if Favre doesn't play). He's been banged up a lot this year, last year. You know he's going to try to give a push Sunday morning."
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
