As it turns out, quarterback Brett Favre will have to prepare for his first regular-season game as a member of the Jets based only on a smattering of training-camp practices and two limited preseason appearances.

Coach Eric Mangini said Tuesday that Favre isn’t likely to play in the Jets’ final preseason game.

“It would be safe to say I’m leaning towards that,” Mangini said.

“He’d love to be able to get tons of work and have all the OTAs and all that stuff,” Mangini said.  “It’s just not where we are right now.  The most important thing to me is us getting ready as a group and getting ready for Miami.  I think the more work that he does with our guys in the group, the better.   [I] really look at the last preseason game as being able to evaluate individuals as opposed to the team, and it’s really important from that perspective.”

Frankly, the extra reps in the last preseason game wouldn’t do much for Favre’s preparation.  Time spent preparing to play in a meaningless game would be better spent getting ready for the one that counts, on September 7 against the Dolphins.