GREEN BAY, Wis., Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Brett Favre is expected to make his 165th consecutive start Monday night as his Green Bay Packers host the Miami Dolphins, who will have the NFL's second all-time leading receiver in their lineup.
Favre, regarded as the NFL's toughest quarterback, went down with a torn LCL in his left knee in the third quarter against Washington two weeks ago, but the Packers had a bye last week, giving him extra time to heal so he could extend the NFL's longest active games played streak of consecutive starts that dates back to Sept. 20, 1992 against Cincinnati.
Favre's streak is over two times more than his
nearest competitor, Peyton Manning of Indianapolis.
The Dolphins will have an unfamiliar face in their lineup in Cris Carter, who came out of retirement to sign with them on Oct. 21.
Carter, who turns 37 in this month, retired last May after a brilliant 15-year career, including the last 12 with the Minnesota Vikings, and had been working on HBO's "Inside The NFL" with former Dolphins great Dan Marino, Cris Collinsworth and Bob Costas.
Carter, a Pro Bowler eight straight seasons from 1993-2000, had the benefit of a bye week to acclimate himself to the offense in practice before he makes his debut in this contest.
Carter and Favre are pretty familiar with each other. While with the Vikings, they faced each other twice a season as NFC Central rivals.
The Dolphins were in need of a veteran receiver after Oronde Gadsden underwent season-ending wrist surgery last week.
While Favre is returning to the lineup, his mobility will be limited and that will provide a test for the Packers to hold speed rushing end Jason Taylor in check.
A healthy Favre is essential for the Packers, who boast a comfortable lead atop the NFC North while having the conference's best record.
After Favre left with his injury against Washington, Doug Pederson led three scoring drives as the Packers rolled to a 30-9 victory.
The Packers, who have won five straight games, are off to their best start since winning eight of their first nine contests in 1996. Green Bay won the Super Bowl that season.
Like the Packers, the Dolphins also are in first place, sitting atop the AFC East. Miami is seeking its fourth straight 6-2 start.
Miami has health concerns of its own at quarterback.
Starter Jay Fiedler is expected to miss a few more weeks with a fractured thumb, leaving the reins to Ray Lucas.
Two weeks ago, he made a disastrous first start, completing just 13-of-33 passes with one touchdown and four interceptions in a 23-10 loss to Buffalo. The erratic Lucas did not practice during the bye week because of a sore hip.
Miami has won nine of the 10 all-time meetings between the teams.
