MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings reportedly have told Brett Favre to decide this week if he wants to play this year.

Coach Brad Childress imposed the deadline on the star quarterback, according to ESPN. The network cited two unidentified sources Monday on its Web site. The Sirius NFL Radio network, however, reported later Monday without citing a source that a deadline is not in place.

When Favre retired in February for the second time, he blamed a partially torn biceps tendon for his poor play late in the season for the New York Jets. The three-time NFL MVP said his health was the main reason behind his decision.

With the Vikings interested in bringing him back for a 19th season, however, Favre has reportedly been considering a comeback contingent on the full healing of his throwing arm.

ESPN has reported Favre had arthroscopic surgery sometime in May on his ailing right shoulder, but that it hasn’t responded. The report said the 39-year-old wouldn’t return to the game unless he feels better.

Time could be running out for that. The Vikings’ first full training camp practice is July 31, but Childress has long called himself a “mother hen” when it comes to wanting all of his players working out at the team’s facility and participating in the non-padded, optional practices throughout the summer.