From a quick look into Shredder's online database (the only database I have access to -- sorry), it seems like 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 Bb4 can be played. Shredder's database has ~500 games with 3... Nc6 and ~200 games with 3... Bb4. I don't play e4 or the Petroff, but from the looks of it, this seems to keep the game in Petroff-ish territory (as the e5 pawn is still hanging).
Avoiding the Petroff.
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In some recent games I haved tried to meet 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 with ... Nf6, aiming at Petroff's defence. I am a low level player, and chose the Petroff because it seemed to have a moderate level of theory to try to absorb, and becuase it has a reputation for leading to equality. I know among high level players it produces a large number of draws, but down at woodpusher central where I hang out I would happily take a fairly even opening without a lot of intense complications like some of the Scicilian lines.
The "problem" is that almost no one takes the bait and playes Nxe5. Almost every game I get 3 Nc3 and we end up in a 4 nights game after ... Nc6. Not that the Four Nights is bad by any means, much like the Petroff it tends to a roughly balanced position without insane complications. But I am a little frustrated that everyone dodges my preperation. Is there a "better" response than 3 ... Nc6, something that might take us somewhere other than a Four Nights game, but not into intense tactical complications or risky/sacrificial teritory?