Throwing three touchdowns in the Green Bay Packers' 30-27 win over the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Brett Favre proved once again Sunday night that he can respond to adversity and play through pain.
What remains to be seen is whether Favre's cracked right thumb will respond just as well to repeated reps.
As of Monday though, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman was giving the three-time NFL MVP's injured thumb two thumbs up.
"It didn't appear to be a factor in the game, in regard to his ability to throw the football," Sherman said. "I'm sure he was in pain during the game, but we don't anticipate there to be an issue."
Wearing a splint to provide stability and protect the thumb, Favre made 28 official attempts Sunday night.
Favre has had fewer attempts only once this season, when he threw 25 passes in the Packers' Oct. 5 win over the Seattle Seahawks, but those numbers fail to include warm-up tosses or throws negated by penalty.
Sunday's game included, Favre is averaging 31.5 attempts per contest this season, but has thrown more than 33 passes only twice (41 vs. Minnesota, Sept. 7; 36 vs. Kansas City, Oct. 12).
Sherman said that Favre didn't experience any additional swelling following the game, but will undergo an X-ray later this week as a precaution.
Favre could return to the practice field as early as Wednesday, although his reps will likely be limited all week as the Packers prepare for their Monday night showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sherman said he wasn't sure if Favre's healing would be stunted in any way by repeated reps, but the injury isn't expected to get any worse.
"He had a splint on during the game, so it was held pretty securely," Sherman said. "There really is not a whole lot you can do to it actually.
"The only treatment (Favre) seems to employ is going out in the woods and going deer hunting with a bow and arrow. So maybe that strengthens it."
Playing in his 200th consecutive game, including playoffs, Favre completed 18-of-28 passes for 194 yards against Minnesota, with three touchdowns and one interception.
His 105.4 passer rating was his third-best this season.
Favre sustained the injury in the first quarter of the Packers' Oct. 19 loss to the St. Louis Rams, but remained in the game, not knowing his thumb was broken.
Sunday, Favre said his thumb "hurt like hell every play."
"But you suck it up," Favre said. "If you're going to play, you suck it up."
Injury Notes: Rod Walker, who was inactive Sunday against the Vikings, did some running Monday to test his injured knee. Sherman said Walker's performance "wasn't great" and that the defensive tackle would be re-evaluated later in the week ... Defensive back Derek Combs sprained his ankle Sunday and will be limited Wednesday ... Tight end Bubba Franks suffered a quadriceps contusion, but stayed in the game Sunday. He'll be re-evaluated Wednesday ... Chukie Nwokorie (knee) and Robert Ferguson (concussion) missed portions of Sunday night's game, but were removed from the injury list.
