by Jim Bessey

Created on: November 01, 2010

Foxborough, Mass. - Minnesota Vikings' star quarterback Brett Favre was injured in a violent hit during Sunday evening's clash with the New England Patriots. Two trainers helped him limp off the field. Favre did not return to the game, and the Vikings eventually lost.

Favre suffered a serious foot injury in last week's loss versus his former team, the Green Bay Packers. The AP's Barry Wilner reported, "Favre has both a stress fracture and an avulsion fracture in the foot. The avulsion fracture in the heel bone is where a fragment has been torn away by a tendon or ligament." Although Favre finished that game, he was visibly limping and obviously in pain as he entered the tunnel afterward.

Surmounting week-long concerns that he might not play, Favre returned this weekend to make his record-setting 292nd straight start. This week's insult-added-to-injury came in the middle of the final quarter, when the Patriots' defensive tackle Myron Pryor slammed into Favre during a passing play. Pryor's helmet struck Favre's chest and neck, leading to a chin laceration repaired with a reported eight stitches [NFL.com, News]

The Vikings sent in back-up quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, who then threw a one-yard TD pass to fullback Naufahu Tahi, followed by a 2-point conversion toss to wide receiver Percy Harvin. [Sean Leahy for USA Today in The Huddle] That brought Minnesota to within 3 points, trailing 21-18. The Patriots went on to win 28-18.

Favre has been an NFL quarterback since 1991. He is now 41 years old, a grandfather, and the oldest man ever start to start as QB in an NFL game. His performance last year was outstanding. He led the Vikings to the play-offs and allowed only 7 interceptions during the season. Now, seven games into the 2010-11 season, Favre's team is down to 2-5, and reports of clashes between the quarterback and head coach Brad Childress have become routine.

Recently, Favre's off-the-field conduct has become the subject of tabloid-style reporting, with plenty of distracting drama. In addition, Favre has become famous for resigning from the game then changing his mind when the new season arrives. Extraordinary efforts were expended to convince him to return to Minnesota this year. With an increase in base salary added to other incentives, the superstar could reportedly earn as much as $20 million this season. [The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, as reported in The Huddle]

Two consecutive weeks of physical injury, added to the rest of the drama surrounding Favre, leaves fans wondering: will future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre start next week's home game against the Arizona Cardinals? If he does, one hopes he will survive the battle. Stay tuned.

(This reporter watched most of the game on FOX Sports cable channel 7, and listened to other portions on Big Dog Country, FM 103.5, Rochester NY)

Additional sources:

Online reporting immediately after the game:

Ailing Brett Favre carted off the field after injury vs. Patriots
by Sean Leahy, NFL Editor for USA Today, in The Huddle

Favre hurts chin late in game
By Barry Wilner, AP Pro Football Writer,

Favre carted off after hit to chin; QB requires eight stitches
Official NFL website story: The Associated Press

Additional background from The Huddle (Leahy)
Paper: Vikings to sweeten Brett Favre's contract to as much as $20 million

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