After speculation ran rampant that the Packers hadn’t taken down Brett Favre’s nameplate in their locker room, the team finally announced it was giving the retired quarterback his whole locker. It’s a nice gesture by the team, but it still won’t quash rumors in the coming months that Favre might magically return.

So here’s my advice for Packer fans, and I don’t mean this with malice or sarcasm: Just accept that Favre won’t be returning. Accept that Aaron Rodgers might struggle, and that the team won’t finish better than 8-8. Accept this will be a transition year. Don’t get your hopes up, and be pleasantly surprised if Rodgers and the Packers exceed expectations. I’m not saying Favre won’t come back (though I really believe it’s unlikely), but don’t think he’ll be the savior when things go bad.

It’s just going to be that sort of year in Green Bay. Hope for the best, don’t wish for miracles, and look to 2009.