Brad Childress said Thursday he did not have advance notice that Brett Favre had undergone surgery on his left ankle last week and the Vikings coach refused to characterize the news in any certain way.

"I don't think I did [find out before you]," Childress said at the Vikings Children's Fund annual golf tournament at Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove. "I think it was one of those that came on the Internet. I think somebody mentioned it to me. Can I say it [surprised] me? No. We certainly talked about all the possibilities. He could probably literally have every joint in his body redone."

Childress said he has not spoken to Favre since the veteran had the arthroscopic procedure performed but the two have exchanged text messages.

Asked if he saw Favre's decision as a positive sign that the quarterback will return, Childress said: "I don't wish to temper it any way. I'll let you guys do that."