The quarterback yesterday responded to the televised report by telling his hometown newspaper's Web site, SunHerald.com in Gulfport, Miss., that "it's all rumor."

The paper reported that Favre sent a text message saying there was "no reason" for a media frenzy.

The ESPN report, citing an unidentified Packers source, said Favre recently told coach Mike McCarthy that he has the itch to play.

Favre, 38, retired March 6 after a 17-year career.

"The Packers have no reaction," spokesman Jeff Blumb told the Associated Press.

Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, did not return a message seeking comment. Packers general manager Ted Thompson and McCarthy were on vacation.

Cornerback Al Harris said on ESPN's NFL Live that Favre had made comments to him about returning.

"I know he has the itch to come back and play," Harris said. "If he will or not, I don't know."

The Packers plan to use Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback this season, and he has been leading the team through organized team activities and minicamps.

Rodgers has been groomed to take over for Favre since being drafted in the first round in 2005, but he has been used sparingly.

"Aaron is our quarterback," Harris said. "Brett's retired. But if he wanted to come back, there would be some guys who wouldn't mind it. I would welcome him back with open arms."

According to the ESPN report, the Packers would be reluctant to open the door for Favre because "Brett retired for the right reasons."

Favre has two years remaining on his contract at an average of about $12.5 million per season. The Packers placed him on the reserve-retired list in the spring, so his salary does not now count toward the cap.

The three-time MVP had 160 career victories.

When he retired, a teary Favre said: "I've given everything I possibly could give to this organization, the game of football, and I don't think I've got anything left to give. And that's it. I know I can play. But I don't think I want to."

But less than two months later, he told reporters he might be open to returning if Rodgers were injured.

Rodgers, meanwhile, has stirred up controversy this week. In a Sports Illustrated article, the quarterback said he didn't need to prove anything to the fans.

"I don't feel I need to sell myself to the fans," he said in the article. "They need to get on board now or keep their mouths shut."

Chargers. Former San Diego linebacker Steve Foley has agreed to settle his lawsuit against a police officer who shot him off-duty two years ago and ended his pro football career.

Foley attorney Harvey Levine said the settlement was reached with Officer Aaron Mansker and his employer, the City of Coronado, Calif., before testimony resumed in the week-old civil trial.

Levine said financial terms were confidential.

Foley's suit sought millions of dollars in damages as compensation for lost past and future earnings. The shooting ended his career.

The player was shot in the leg, hip and hand in September 2006 after Mansker followed his car home on suspicion the driver was drunk. Mansker had testified that he was sure Foley was reaching into his waistband for a gun.

Foley pleaded guilty in 2007 to misdemeanor drunken driving.

Bears. Chicago agreed to a four-year deal with second-round draft pick Matt Forte, the former Tulane running back expected to replace Cedric Benson in the lineup.

The Bears waived Benson in June after three ineffective, injury-plagued years following his second alcohol-related rest in a month.

Forte rushed for 2,127 yards at Tulane last season.