Brett Favre getting ankle checked out?

MANKATO, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings may have a better idea by the end of the day about Brett Favre's status.

The Web site FlightAware.com showed a private plane going from Hattiesburg, Miss., to Pensacola, Fla., and back on Thursday -- a strong indication the veteran quarterback was having his scheduled checkup with Dr. James Andrews.

The plane departed Hattiesburg at 9:11 a.m. CT and landed at 9:55 a.m. in Pensacola, about 10 miles from Andrews' office in Gulf Breeze, Fla. The same plane was scheduled to return to Hattiesburg at 12:40 p.m.

Andrews performed minor surgery on Favre's problematic left ankle in May. Favre, 40, has cited persistent pain in the ankle in delaying his decision on whether to play a 20th NFL season, and his agent, Bus Cook, revealed the scheduled visit to Andrews' office.

The plane going between Hattiesburg and Pensacola is believed to be the same one Favre took to have the surgery.

Vikings coach Brad Childress said Thursday morning he had no further updates.

UPDATE, 3:20 p.m.: NFL Network's Scott Hanson reports Favre indeed was on the plane.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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