Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he hasn't had any conversations yet with quarterback Brett Favre about his future, and will do so at the end of the season as planned.
McCarthy was asked about Favre's future on Thursday after a report in the Biloxi Sun Herald said Favre was leaning towards returning in 2008 for an 18th season.
In speaking about Saturday's NFC Divisional playoff game, Favre told the newspaper: "For the first time in three years, I haven't thought this could be my last game. I would like to continue longer."
Neither McCarthy nor any of the players in the locker room indicated Favre had spoken to them about his future, and no one was particularly concerned about it with all the focus on preparing to play Seattle.
"Brett's playing at a very high level, and we're preparing for him to play on another higher level this weekend," McCarthy said. "That's our focus, and once again, I haven't been part of any conversation on that matter."
Favre has played one of the best seasons of his career in 2007, setting a personal best with a 66.5 percent completion rate. His 95.7 quarterback rating is his best since 1996, when Favre led the Packers to the Super Bowl XXXI title.
In his own press conferences leading up to the playoffs, Favre has spoken of how much fun this season has been, going 13-3 and winning the NFC North. He did not give any indication whether the playoff results will have any bearing on his decision to return or retire.
"We're 60 minutes from the NFC Championship," said backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who would be Favre's successor if and when he steps aside. "That's what we're focused on."
Itching to play
Usually coaches love to work with their players in practice as much as they can, but even McCarthy admitted on Thursday that he was tired of practice and ready to get on with the playoffs.
With the first-round bye, the Packers haven't played a game since Dec. 30, and they've had five workouts in the Don Hutson Center (two last week, three this week) to get ready for the Seahawks.
The players have shown the enthusiasm and attention to detail needed, but they've had enough preparation.
"They're excited," McCarthy said. "I think their confidence is real. To be honest with you, we're ready to play a game. It seems like a month, we haven't played a game in a month. They're tired of practicing, I'm tired of practicing them too. They're ready to go."
The bye week was beneficial, allowing players who were nicked up to get healthy. It has also allowed a lot of time for the anticipation to build, and it's making the players anxious.
"We're going to come out with a lot of energy, a lot of passion," said defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, who actually sat out the last two regular season games with a groin injury and literally hasn't played in almost a month, since Dec. 16. "We're ready to play, man. We ain't played in so long, and we've just been hitting each other in practice.
"That's all everybody keeps talking about, that they can't wait until Saturday. There's excitement going around this locker room, just like it's been going all year. Everybody is excited to play, and we're going to give our best effort."
Injury update
The Packers added two players to the injury report on Thursday, but neither situation has McCarthy concerned.
{sportsad300}Linebacker Nick Barnett and defensive tackle Corey Williams were both limited in practice on Thursday with hamstring problems, but McCarthy gave every indication they will be available to play Saturday.
"Everybody is going to be fine," McCarthy said. "I don't see us having any issues."
That goes for receivers Greg Jennings (groin) and Koren Robinson (knee) and cornerback Charles Woodson (toe, knee) as well. They also were all limited in practice. Meanwhile, receiver James Jones (hamstring) and guard Jason Spitz (quad) were removed from the injury report altogether.
The final injury report of the week will be released on Friday, when players will be deemed either probable (virtual certainty to be available for regular duty), questionable (50 percent chance of playing) or doubtful (25 percent chance of playing).
The only player whose status seems in question is cornerback/punt returner Will Blackmon, who has a foot injury. He may be the only player on the list who won't be deemed probable for the game.
