EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — After a 24-17 loss to Miami on Sunday that eliminated the Jets from playoff contention, Brett Favre said he still is uncertain about his future but that his health will be a key factor in his decision.

Although Favre, 39, wouldn't commit either to retirement or to returning in 2009 for a 19th season, he made it clear that his health — particularly his right shoulder, which he recently said has bothered him this season — will be a top priority in his decision.

"First and foremost, physically is something for me," he said. "I have to pay attention to it. I'm 39 years old, so that would be the first thing, obviously."

After the game, Favre, who will have an MRI on Monday, said his shoulder has "been better." When asked if the shoulder hurt during the game, Favre said: "You could say that. It has been for quite a while, but we should know more tomorrow."

Favre refrained from blaming his own poor performance — 20-for-40 for 233 yards with one TD and three interceptions — on his shoulder, however.

"It'd be easy to make excuses. I'm sure that throughout the course of the year, that there were throws I felt like I could make that I didn't, and other times I made some good throws," Favre said, "but I hope it was not a factor in some of the throws this year. Once again, we'll know more tomorrow."

On the play in which Favre's screen pass was intercepted by Phillip Merling and returned 25 yards for a touchdown, Favre made an all-out dive in an attempt to tackle Merling and came down hard on the point of his right elbow. He was seen holding the arm with his left hand but did not miss a play.

Reflecting on his decision to come out of retirement and continue his career, Favre said he has no regrets. "Obviously, this is not a high note, but when I look back at it, I can honestly say I'm glad I made the decision to come here," he said. "I felt like I was wanted again ... And that was a good feeling."

Favre, who finished with 22 interceptions, said he didn't feel as if he had done enough for the Jets. "I wish I would've held up my end of the bargain," said Favre, who refuted reports that he had issues with Eric Mangini's coaching style and did not enjoy playing for him.

Favre's retirement soap opera after last season ended in a bitter separation from the Packers and created a new beginning as a Jet. When asked, Favre said he could not envision coming back to play another year for a different team, although he couched his answer by joking that he'd never expected to come back and play for the Jets, either.

When asked what he learned from last year's saga, he cited his reluctance to ever close the door on any options.

"I do know this," Favre said. "You never know."