NFL notes: Favre expects to start despite fractures

Brett Favre expects to start for the Minnesota Vikings against the New England Patriots today despite two fractures in his left ankle, according to a report by ESPN.

The network reported Saturday that Favre said in a telephone interview his injuries have healed significantly and that he plans to start, which would extend his record streak of consecutive regular-season starts to 292 games.

Favre wore a walking boot the first three days of the week and did not practice until Friday, when he only participated on a limited basis.

Favre was injured in a loss to the Green Bay Packers last weekend. He said Wednesday that he wanted to play to try and help the Vikings (2-4) turn things around after a slow start to the season.

Minnesota coach Brad Childress said Friday he “probably will” wait until the last hours before kickoff to decide whether Favre starts. He said his decision will be based on “Can he protect himself? And what gives us the best chance to win?”

Favre was listed questionable on the injury report Friday.

Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams has not made the trip to St. Louis and will miss today’s game against the Rams with an injured foot.

Williams hobbled off the field in the final minute of Carolina’s win over San Francisco last weekend and hasn’t practiced since. The team has provided no update on the injury and Williams hasn’t talked to reporters.

The decision means Jonathan Stewart (Oregon) will likely get the start against the Rams as the Panthers try to jump-start the league’s 23rd-ranked rushing offense.