How Will Brett Favre's Injury Affect the Packers the Rest of the Season?

Brett Favre left during the second quarter of the Green Bay Packers' 37-27 loss at Dallas on Thursday night with an injured right elbow and separated left shoulder. Cornerback Nate Jones hit Favre while he was throwing a pass that was, ultimately, intercepted by cornerback Terence Newman.

Favre thinks the injury is minor, and is taking a "wait and see" approach. Aaron Rogers replaced Favre in the lineup Thursday, and would be in line to start Green Bay's next game against Oakland on Dec. 9. If that's the case, Favre's NFL-record run of 249 straight starts will come to an end.

"I think I'll be okay," said Favre. "It's fortunate we have a few extra days off. I'll just rest and see."

It's too early to speculate, but if Favre is sidelined, the Packers' Super Bowl hopes will take a considerable hit. Rogers is a capable backup and has the weapons around him to succeed, but, come playoff time, a quarterback needs that "X factor," that burning desire inside to do whatever it takes to win - something that Favre has in spades.

Not to say that Rogers doesn't, but he hasn't had the chance to show it. Favre has been there and done that, multiple times. He knows what it takes to win, and he wills himself and his teammates to do just that.

Which is why I think you'll be seeing Favre next week against Oakland. He's too much of gamer to let a minor injury slow him down. Now, if the injuries prove to be severe, then all bets are off. But, I think this will be a minor injury and Favre will not miss a game.

This is one of Green Bay's best teams in years, and Favre, despite his stellar play thus far this year, doesn't have many years left. He knows it's now or never. This year or next year may be his last shots at another ring.

No matter who's under center, the Packers will be in the playoffs. If it's Rogers, expect competitive games, but don't plan on seeing the Packers in the Super Bowl. If it's Favre, sit back and enjoy the show. No matter how old he is, now matter how banged up he is, Favre still has a lot left in the tank, and he's itching to show off that playoff magic again.