Report: Favre injured

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre thinks that he has a cracked rib, according to a broadcast report Monday.

ESPN's Michele Tafoya reported that Favre said he believed that he cracked a rib during his first preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs last week. The Vikings play the Houston Texans in ESPN's "Monday Night Football" game tonight, but Favre is not listed on the Vikings' injury report.

Favre is expected to start Monday, and it will be interesting to see whether his rib injury affects his ability to throw the ball down field or his passing accuracy.

Many football pundits said Favre's decision to return to football made the Vikings preseason favorites in the NFC North. But since Favre's return, reports have surfaced about dissension in the Vikings' locker room, and a cracked rib for the aging quarterback could offer a bull's eye for opposing defenses to target.

The Bears will have to wait to take their shots at Favre. They travel to Minnesota on Nov. 29, and the Vikings arrive at Soldier Field on Dec. 28 for a Monday night contest.

-Tom Musick