HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP)Brett Favre dropped back, looked downfield and launched a long spiral about 5 yards past his intended receiver. A few plays later, the Jets quarterback short-hopped a toss that thumped into the grass.

I felt 38 today, Favre said Wednesday after New Yorks morning practice. Im not going to lie to you.

Favre fired a few duds in his fifth practice since joining the Jets, saying his rocket right arm is a bit tired.

My arms kind of dragging a little bit today, Favre said. Its not really sore, but just fatigued. To be honest with you, Im surprised that, I dont want to say I feel good, that Ive been able to make it through every practice so far.

Favre was acquired from the Green Bay Packers last Wednesday night, and has been practicing with the Jets since Saturday. Hes set to start Saturdays preseason game against the Washington Redskins.

I didnt throw the ball that well this morning, underthrew some throws, Favre said. No pain, but Im 38 years old. Its going to be fatigued a little bit.

After saying he would talk to coach Eric Mangini about limiting his throws in the early evening practice, Favre took noticeably fewer snaps in 11-on-11 drills. He did open the late session by zipping his first throw into Chansi Stuckeys hands for a touchdown, his arm showing little sign of being tired.

While Brett Ratliff and Kellen Clemens took some of the snaps he normally would take, Favre watched intently from the sideline and occasionally chatted with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and quarterbacks coach Brian Daboll.

Favre came up short working the 2-minute offense near the end of practice, throwing incomplete on fourth-and-3 to Stuckey on a pass that was defended well by Drew Coleman.

My arm, for the most part, has felt great, Favre said. Legs, a little bit fatigued. Youve got to figure Im a little bit behind some of these guys. Im a little bit surprised that, up to this point, Ive been doing OK.

Favre retired in March, but then decided he still wanted to play. After a messy divorce with Green Bay, the Packers traded him to New York, where hes going through his 18th training camp.

I wondered this morning when I got up, What in the heck am I doing? Favre said. The answer to that question is I love to play. I hate to study. At times, I hate to practice, but I love to play. I know I need to study and I know I need to practice and I know how important it is. That doesnt mean I have to like it. The question I have to ask myself is am I willing to do that? And the answer is yes.

Some have questioned Favres desire to play in New York after he was linked mostly to Minnesota and Tampa Bay before the Jets made a late push for the three-time MVP.

People can say what they want, said Favre, who has played in a record 253 straight regular-season games. Yeah, there were discussions about me going elsewhere before I came here and all that. I am happy to be here. I really am. Its a lot different from what Im used to. Did I ever think it would end up this way? Umm, no. But its not over yet and Im excited.

Favre, who took his second penalty lapwhich was again cheeredsince joining the Jets, ended the morning session on a good note. The three-time league MVP hit Brad Smith on a fourth-down play for 53 yardsabout 45 in the airdown the right sideline for a touchdown.

He still has it, tight end Bubba Franks said. I think you can ask the receivers, he still has it.

Favre said the toughest parts of the adjustment are picking up the terminology used in a new offensive system and learning the tendencies of his new receivers. He asked to watch game films from last season to get better acquainted with the types of routes receivers such as Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery and Chris Baker run.

They havent thrown everything at me, Favre said, but I could go into a game and I think I could manage a game OK.

Coles hasnt spoken to reporters since Favre was acquired and his good friend, Chad Pennington, was released to make room under the salary cap. Coles and Favre were seen on the field before the morning practice having what appeared to be a friendly conversation

I said, Look, I heard youre not talking to the media. I understand you dont want to say anything good about me. Thats OK, Favre said with a chuckle. He said, Its not that. Its not that. I obviously was joking on that. I said, Look, Im not here to take Chads spot or replace him or whatever. It is what it is.

I said this the other day, I dont think Ive ever beaten Chad. Those two guys had a great rapport together. I said, Look, Im not trying to replace him. Im here to help you guys win and I hope you respect me for that.

Hell get his first chance Saturday against the Redskins, though Favre isnt sure how long hell play.

I did tell Eric on the phone the day before I came up, I said, Hey, I want to play as soon as possible, Favre said. I wouldve played three plays the other night (at Cleveland), but that wouldve been ugly. I dont know. I think well just play it by ear.