Brett Favre told Minnesota Vikings officials on Monday night that he will not play in the 2010 season, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and Fox Sports reported.

Favre, 40, who has consistently said throughout the offseason that he was unsure if he'd play this season, is expected to make a public statement later today, the paper said.

Fox Sports reported that the Vikings hope Favre will change his mind. ESPN reported that Favre has been sending text messages to teammates in the past day.

Vikings coach Brad Childress said after Tuesday morning's practice that Favre hadn't informed him of his intentions. "This is a very fluid situation," said Childress, who added he had communicated with Favre within the past 24 hours.

Favre's agent, Bus Cook, declined to comment to USA TODAY about Favre's intentions.

FAVRE WATCH: What Favre has said about a potential return since January

Favre had surgery on his left ankle in May, and he told USA TODAY last month that he just couldn't decide if his body would hold up to the stress of a 20th NFL season.

But Favre has been through this before. In 2008, he retired from the Green Bay Packers in March only to return in July and be traded to the New York Jets.

He then retired in early 2009, only to make a comeback for last season. He initially told the Vikings in late July 2009 that he would remain retired, but changed his mind by mid-August.

Favre is set to earn $13 million from the Vikings if he plays this season.

Former NFL coach Jon Gruden said on ESPN's SportsCenter that such a comeback could again happen this summer.

"I would not be surprised if at some point we see No. 4 again," said Gruden, who's now an ESPN analyst.

Vikings coach Brad Childress had previously said he's content to wait as long as possible for Favre, and believes he only needs 2-3 weeks of preparation for the season. On Tuesday, Childress declined to address whether he would welcome Favre back during the regular season.

"There are all kinds of if/then hypotheticals," he said. "Right now all I know is we have a film study (coming up). We're day to day right here."

If Favre doesn't return, the Vikings will have to choose from between Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels for their starting QB. Neither has had consistent success as a starter in the NFL, and either would likely weaken the Vikings, who lost to the Saints in the NFC title game last year.

"It'll take a real bite out of the Minnesota Vikings' attack," Gruden said on SportsCenter.

"It'll be a setback, no question."

Jackson has been running the first offense in Favre's absence. He's taking a wait-and-see attitude on Favre's potential retirement.

"It's always a little back and forth with Brett. He deserves the opportunity to decide whatever he wants," said the fifth-year pro. " ... It's up to him right now. I'm just trying to focus on getting better."

Favre has started 285 consecutive games since he became the Packers' starter in 1992.

PHOTOS: Brett Favre in pictures

-- Sean Leahy