Brett Favre says his injuries have healed significantly and that he expects to start against the host New England Patriots on Sunday.
In a phone conversation with ESPN's Ed Werder on Saturday afternoon, as Favre prepared to board the team charter to fly to Providence, R.I., the Minnesota Vikings quarterback said he wouldn't have made the trip unless he expected to start.
"My expectations are to play and play well enough for us to have a chance to win this game," Favre told Werder.
Favre said he's had extensive discussions with the Vikings's trainers and equipment staff about what can be done to allow him to play with two fractures.
Favre added the pain has diminished to the point that he probably won't have an injection to numb the pain, which had been planned all week if he were to play. He said he's not limping much and feels "pretty good.''
Most of the pain that remains is located in his toes rather than his ankle. So trainers will tape the ankle heavily even though it will restrict his movement.
In addition, Favre plans to wear a size 15 shoe -- one size larger than normal -- so the equipment staff can reinforce the toe box to protect him in the event somebody steps on his left foot. Favre said they created a mold that would harden and have an effect similar to a steel-toed shoe.
Favre said he doesn't know if he will be able to make it through the game and that he's prepared for coach Brad Childress to replace him with backup Tarvaris Jackson if he's ineffective.
Favre said he took about half the practice repetitions when he returned to the field Friday, splitting them with Jackson. Favre wore a wrap on his left ankle, which has two fractures that have threatened his NFL-record streak of 291 straight games started. Favre participated in Saturday's walk-through before attending daughter Breleigh's volleyball game.
Childress has said he "probably will" wait until the last hours before kickoff to decide whether Favre starts. Childress has said the final decision is his.
Childress didn't directly answer a question Friday on if he'll base the decision on Favre's recent rough performances or strictly on his health. Earlier this week, Childress said he won't consider the streak when he decides.
"Can he protect himself? And what gives us the best chance to win?" Childress said in response to a question about whether he wants Favre to start.
If he doesn't, Jackson will take over.
"I'm not losing any sleep over it. It will all sort itself out," Childress said.
Information from ESPN's Ed Werder and The Associated Press was used in this report.
