We heard on July 3 that the Packers’ attitude regarding a potential return from Brett Favre is that, if he wants to play, he needs to show up.

And, as we now understand it, the Packers are exhibiting that same attitude. 

Despite reports and suggestions that Favre would be relegated to No. 2 on the depth chart unless and until starter Aaron Rodgers is injured or crashes/burns, we’re told by a source with knowledge of the team’s thinking (but who prefers to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue) that Favre would have a fair opportunity to unseat Rodgers, and that Favre’s relegation to backup is a reflection not of the team’s desire that he remain unretired, but of the reality that Rodgers and not Favre took the reps with the starting offense for all of the offseason program.

A significant amount of the coming season’s offense and defense are installed during those T-shirts and shorts sessions.  As reported elsewhere (we’re too lazy to look it up right now), the Packers spent the 2008 offseason making tweaks to the offense aimed at tailoring it to Rodgers.

Thus, the team’s position is that Favre would need to prove that he provides a better option than Rodgers come Week One.  If Favre does it, then he’ll be the starter.

Frankly, we can’t imagine Favre not winning the job.  If Rodgers somehow keeps the job, it would take only one wounded duck or interception during the September 8 opener against the Vikings to spark a deafening chant of “WE WANT FAVRE” from the stands at Lambeau Field.