Heard this one before? Brett Favre remains retired, as far as his agent is concerned.

Favre's longtime representative Bus Cook said yesterday that he is unaware of any pending change in Favre's plans.

Cook said he speaks with his friend every day but claimed the chats are not about football.

"He's my close friend," Cook said by phone from Hattiesburg, Miss. "He lives right up the road."

The Vikings have expressed interest in the record-setting 39-year-old quarterback, whose waffling has become an annual summer story around the NFL.

Minnesota coach Brad Childress said at a community service event yesterday he is not thinking about Favre, when asked if he had a deadline in mind for Favre to make a decision about his status.

"I'm thinking about the next four OTAs next week," Childress said, referring to optional offseason practices teams are allowed in May and June.

Cook, however, acknowledged the seemingly endless possibility that Favre -- who said in February he was done for good this time -- will seek a spot in the NFL again.

"We've all changed our minds, I guess," Cook said.

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri had surgery on his right hip this week but is expected to be ready for the regular season. The Colts have not given a timetable on how much time Vinatieri might miss, other than to say he should be able to play in the opener Sept. 13 against Jacksonville.

n Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook had surgery on his right ankle yesterday and is expected to be ready for the regular season.

n Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters showed up for the first day of Kansas City's mandatory minicamp, admitting he was a bit out of shape but not saying if he still wants a trade.