THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

HOUSTON -- Vikings quarterback Brett Favre says he might have a cracked rib.

Favre told ESPN before Monday night's game at Houston that he hasn't received an official diagnosis but that taking a deep breath caused him some discomfort. He also doesn't plan to wear any kind of special padding, saying "the damage is done."

Favre's agent Bus Cook wrote in an email to The Associated Press that he didn't know if Favre has a cracked rib but "he'll play as far as I know."

The 39-year-old Favre was on the field warming up with the rest of Minnesota's quarterbacks about 45 minutes before the start of the game and was still scheduled to start.

Favre was expected to play the entire first half against the Texans. He wasn't listed on the injury report, and none of his teammates mentioned the injury before the game.

The three-time MVP signed a US$25 million deal with the Vikings on Aug. 18.