Brett Favre spent time Monday having his injured left ankle examined. The quarterback also likely used that injury as his reason for pulling out of the Pro Bowl this coming Sunday in South Florida.
Favre's decision comes as no surprise. His selection to the NFC team marked the 11th time he has been named to a Pro Bowl, more than any quarterback in league history. But he has actually shown up for the game only four times, and the last time that happened was after the 1996 season.
Favre has been named to the all-star game on six occasions since then, including four times as the starter, but hasn't played. Last season, he was picked as a backup for the AFC after playing for the Jets but did not take part because of a biceps injury.
The 40-year-old Favre, who wasn't sacked Sunday against New Orleans but took numerous big hits, will be replaced by Dallas' Tony Romo. Meanwhile, Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) will be replaced by Mike Jenkins, who also plays for the Cowboys.
