HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Jets coach Eric Mangini says he's leaning toward not playing quarterback Brett Favre in the team's preseason finale at Philadelphia.

Favre has repeatedly said he wants to play Thursday night, but also has said he wouldn't be too disappointed if Mangini decided otherwise.

Mangini said Tuesday he hadn't finalized his decision, but when again asked to clarify if he's thinking of not having Favre play, the coach responded: “It would be safe to say that I'm leaning toward that.”

Many teams rest their starters in the fourth preseason game, using it to evaluate rookie free agents and others competing for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Favre went 9-of-12 for 96 yards in the Jets' 10-7 win over the Giants last Saturday.