THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings reportedly have told Brett Favre to decide this week if he wants to play this year.

ESPN says coach Brad Childress imposed the deadline on the star quarterback. The network cited two unidentified sources Monday on its website.

ESPN has said that Favre had arthroscopic surgery last month on his ailing right shoulder. When Favre retired in February for the second time, he blamed a partially torn biceps tendon for his poor play late in the season. He said his health was the main reason behind his decision.

Childress and Favre's agent, Bus Cook, did not return messages from The Associated Press.