Brett Favre says he’s not out for revenge against Green Bay

One minute, Brett Favre sternly insists he isn’t out for revenge against the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. The next, he says it’s only human for him to feel as if he has something to prove to the team that traded him.

In his first extended interview with Wisconsin reporters since well before his unretirement saga went public last summer, Favre reluctantly revisited his departure from Green Bay. He also awkwardly backpedaled from previous comments that indicated a grudge against Packers General Manager Ted Thompson.

Favre will be wearing the purple uniform of the Packers’ bitter NFC North rival at the Metrodome on Monday night but said his career moves over the last year aren’t based on revenge.

“Never was motivated for that reason,” Favre said in a conference call. “No. That has nothing to do with it.”

But when reminded of his comments to SI.com in February, in which Favre said part of his motivation for coming back last season was “sticking it” to Thompson, Favre acknowledged he did want to show the Packers he still belonged in the NFL.

“It’s human nature to feel, I didn’t use the word revenge, but to prove that you still could play,” Favre said. “To prove someone wrong, or prove a group wrong. So you can call it what you want.”

Hasselbeck still out

Matt Hasselbeck sat out another practice for the Seattle Seahawks. He remains likely to sit out a second consecutive game Sunday at Indianapolis.

The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback did some light throwing behind the huddle Thursday.

It was the most he has done in a practice since he broke a rib at San Francisco on Sept. 20.

Backup Seneca Wallace again ran the offense and figures to start.

Sunday would be the 11th time Hasselbeck has been out injured since the start of the 2008 season. The Seahawks are 3-7 without him in that span.

49ers turn to rookie

The San Francisco 49ers are putting their offense in the hands of rookie running back Glen Coffee.

The third-round draft pick will carry the load in the team’s power rushing attack the next few weeks with regular starter Frank Gore out because of an injury to his right ankle.

The 49ers say they won’t change their offensive approach with Gore sidelined, and that means Coffee can expect to handle the football on a regular basis.

Coffee had 25 carries for 54 yards during last week’s loss in Minnesota after replacing Gore, who was injured on his first carry of the game. The rookie figures to remain the focus of the team’s offense until Gore is ready to return after its Oct. 18 open date.

Barber improves

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says running back Marion Barber should play Sunday against Denver.

Barber missed Monday night’s 21-7 victory against Carolina after injuring a thigh the previous week.

He was close to ready Monday, but the medical staff decided to hold him out.

Jones said Thursday that Barber showed more progress than expected Wednesday. Barber was in full gear for Thursday’s practice.

Etc.

New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips has had micro-fracture surgery on his left knee and will have to wait about five months before he can start to run . . . . New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo and nose tackle Vince Wilfork remain sidelined from practice.