Favre, Childress in contact, but no word on status

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings are still waiting for an announcement from Brett Favre about his status for next season, even though coach Brad Childress has been in regular communication with him.

Childress said Tuesday he had spoken with Favre the day before, when the 40-year-old quarterback told him he was "spraying weeds" at his home in Mississippi.

Childress added that he followed up the conversation by sending Favre a cellphone picture from Vikings headquarters to show off the recent warm, sunny weather in Minnesota.

Then on Tuesday, Childress said he sent a text message to Favre to tell him the Vikings are scheduled to open the season in New Orleans in an NFC championship game rematch with the Saints.