Brett Favre's Ankle Surgery: Likely Didn't Do It To For Deer Hunting Come Fall

ESPN is reporting that Brett Favre underwent arhtroscopic surgery on his left ankle Friday in Florida. The surgery's intent was to clean up scar tissue to allow for a better range of motion.

On his website Favre wrote, "This is to confirm that I did have a procedure to remove some scar tissue and bone spurs from my ankle which had been bothering me for a period of time. I appreciate your concerns."

ESPN reported that James Andrew performed the surgery.

It is thought Favre injured the ankle in the NFC Championship against the Saints, although Favre has claimed he injured the ankle earlier in the season as well.

On his web-site Favre has said, "I've put up with pain worse that this in my career and I didn't want anyone to assume that the possibility of surgery was the sole factor that would determine whether I return or not."

The Vikings continue to give Favre all the time he needs to make his decision, and now apparently that time will include rehabilitation for Brett following the procedure done on Friday.

The fact that Favre was not in a lot of pain with the ankle on a day to day basis, and that he could have lived a normal (non-football playing life) without the surgery, is a good sign to Viking fans who are hoping the 40 year old comes back for one more season.

It may all depend, like it did last summer with the shoulder, on how the rehabilitation goes. But one thing is for sure, without the surgery Favre would not have returned for one more go around. With the surgery there is still no guarantee, but it keeps that door open.

In fact, it might have just got pushed a little more open on Friday.