Favre saga moves to its next stage

It's check-mate time for the Packers.

Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre reportedly has submitted to the NFL his request for reinstatement, according to ESPN, meaning the next move in this ongoing story will come from the Packers. Commissioner Roger Goodell has already said he planned to grant Favre's reinstatement if and when the request was made, so there is little doubt about this part of the process.

What this means is that the Packers will be forced into making a decision rather soon. They must either allow Favre to report to training camp, trade him or grant his release. Favre's preference is the latter, but it's very unlikely the Packers will be willing to part ways without any compensation and with no say-so on Favre's ultimate destination. If Green Bay does not wish to have Favre report, it will be necessary to immediately make a move.

In Lake Buena Vista, where the Bucs are in their fourth day of training camp, Tampa Bay officials continue to be reluctant to address speculation a trade to Tampa Bay is on the table. If true, this latest news makes that possibility a little more realistic.