Old Man Brett Favre and the Angry Ankle

Brett Favre is a media machine for NFL fans. The past few years have been full of "Favre-watch" treats.

Is it a "will he or won't he" frenzy yet again?

Not entirely.

Most fans expect to see Favre suited up in purple come Week One of the regular season. That expectation isn't without merit either.

With all signs pointing to a return, what are some of those folks closest to Favre saying about it?

Favre's agent, Bus Cook, was contacted by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday. When asked about the decision, Cook could only say, "I really don't know. Don't know when I will."

That's really no surprise. Cook is likely used to not being entirely in the loop regarding the offseason shenanigans of his client.

Favre's orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, spoke about the surgery in June, a month after it had actually happened. He mentioned that the surgery went well and said that it would require a few more weeks of rehabilitation for Favre to fully recover.

Well, those few weeks have come and gone. Within that timeline, the ESPYs also happened, during which Favre and Greg Lewis received the award for Play of the Year for their game-winning touchdown in Week Three of the regular season that seemed to herald the true return of Favre as a gunslinger capable of changing the game with his arm alone.

Backstage, however, Favre was much more modest about his ankle. He declared that it was still giving him trouble and that he is not 100 percent healthy. What does this mean exactly?

Favre's history of abuse and his age are major factors in his recovery timeline and potential for full healing.

And both of those work against him in this case.

In many cases a procedure like the one Favre had requires only a few weeks of rehab before the ankle is ready to go. But most people don't abuse their body parts the way that an NFL quarterback does every week.

Doctors familiar with the procedure agree that there are risks at Favre's age but that he should be able to play if he completes his rehab properly and minimizes risk factors in the meantime.

Favre's reluctance to go back is entirely based on his willingness to risk more injuries.

Old Man River turns 41 in October.

Of course, if he came back he also would get $13 million dollars and a chance to beat down the Saints in Week One.

These factors, and another potential run at the Lombardi Trophy, are likely all the incentive needed to bring back Ye Ol' Hobbler to the playing field.