Adrian Peterson Injury Not Completely Healed, But Leg Is 'Getting Better'

It hasn't seemed like Adrian Peterson is feeling the effects of the season-ending knee injury he suffered last year, but the Minnesota Vikings running back said on Thursday that he still isn't completely healthy. He's close enough, though, and says he's getting better each week.

Peterson told Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press that he's getting closer to where he wants to be, but he's not there quite yet:

"Each week I feel myself improving; the leg is getting stronger and more stable,. The body's feeling good, and I'll be ready to roll."

It'll be interesting to see if Peterson ever thinks he's back to his pre-injury condition considering the extent of the injury, but even 80 percent of All Day isn't a bad thing.

For more on the Vikings, head over to Daily Norseman or SB Nation Minnesota. All the San Francisco 49ers news you need is available at Niners Nation. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Adrian Peterson Says He's At 95 Percent, And The Other 5 Will Make A Huge Difference

Adrian Peterson showed that he's, in so many words, "the man" on Sunday. He carried the ball 17 times for 84 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars after an offseason that was spent rehabbing major reconstructive surgery on his knee. Many expected that he wouldn't play, while those who thought he would didn't expect him to receive more than a few carries. But Peterson himself carried on and on about him being good to go prior to the start of Week 1.

Now, Peterson says he's at 95 percent, and according to him, that other five percent will make a huge difference. The Star Tribune had a quote from him on the subject:

"It don't sound like much from the outside looking in, but I know my game and I know where I want to be," Peterson said. "And it's going to be huge once I get 100 percent. Like night and day. Seriously. I'm just keeping that in mind. I'm excited just to continue to strengthen this leg and do what I need to do to get there and push to be 100 percent. So I really can go out and perform the way I want to."

When a player makes declarations like this, it's easy to write it off. But considering the fact that Peterson has been the only one speaking the truth throughout all of this, it's even easier to believe him. It's true that he's more-than capable of getting 84 yards on any given day, especially against a team like the Jaguars. So if gets that extra five percent in there prior to Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, then Minnesota could find themselves in the win column.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury Seems To Be No More

After undergoing reconstructive knee surgery, Adrian Peterson carried the ball 17 times for 84 yards on Sunday in the Vikings' season opener. He also rushed for a pair of scores and had a reception for three yards. The speed of his recovery was shocking, and it doesn't appear that he's suffering any ill effects from Sunday's game.

Peterson and the Vikings did not report any sort of swelling or soreness in the surgically repaired joint on Monday, and Peterson is expected to be the starter again this weekend as the Vikings head to Indianapolis on Sunday. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier stopped short of calling Peterson a 25-carry-a-game back at this point, but he's indicated that Peterson is still likely to play a significant role as he continues to amaze with the speed of his recovery.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Likely To Be Game-Time Decision

Adrian Peterson's status was supposed to be decided by Saturday morning, but it's looking more and more likely like he'll be a game-time decision. Head coach Leslie Frazier said it just doesn't make sense to make a decision sooner than he has to regarding the Minnesota Vikings' All-Pro running back.

Peterson has said he's ready to play, but the Vikings have decided to wait ... and wait, according to Frazier.

"There's no reason to make a decision before Sunday," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said after today's practice. "We're going to talk with him again tomorrow to see how he feels."

Until Thursday, Frazier had been saying it would be a game-time decision. But Thursday came and he said the team would know Friday night or Saturday whether Peterson will play.

It'll be interesting to see the final decision, but it sounds like he'll play regardless -- the only thing still up in the air is likely how much he plays.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Says Sitting Would Be 'Hard Pill To Swallow'

Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson continues to hint that he would prefer to play in the team's Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he is ultimately saying the right things and leaving some room for the Vikings to sit him if it is deemed necessary. Dan Wiederer and Mark Craig of the Star Tribune have the latest quotes from Peterson regarding his status for Sunday:

"Sometimes you might not agree," Peterson said. "But ultimately [you're OK] when you know someone, when you know their intention and you know their heart, and you know they're doing what's best for you."

Just a little more than eight months since having surgery to repair torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee, Peterson has put himself in position to play in the opening week and said "it will be a hard pill to swallow" if he's told he can't.

The Vikings host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Sept. 9 in their 2012 NFL regular season opener.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Status Update To Come By Saturday Morning

Adrian Peterson feels like he's ready to go on Sunday, for the opener between the Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars, but that doesn't mean he's going to play for sure. Peterson is recovering from major reconstructive surgery on his knee and it would be a mistake for the Vikings to rush him back from the injury. As such, the Vikings have made him a gametime decision.

Actually, he'll be a Saturday decision. According to the Star Tribune, Leslie Frazier has said there will be a decision on Peterson before Sunday:

Peterson will likely be given a red or a green light sometime in the next 40 hours or so. Frazier said following this afternoon's practice that "I don't want to be conclusive on Thursday" but then followed by asserting that the Vikings would have all the information they'd need to make a decision on their star running back by Friday night or Saturday morning.

Friday is the final day for official injury reports for Sunday games, so when those come out, we might have a better idea on his status. Either way, if Peterson is in action on Sunday, it's likely he wouldn't get significant playing time. He'll liekly get a few carries and give way primarily to Toby Gerhart, his backup. All that is certain is that the Vikings aren't going to jeopardize Peterson getting re-injured and missing more time just to get him back a week early.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Status Sounds Good As He's 'Ready To Roll'

The Minnesota Vikings have been continually adamant that running back Adrian Peterson would not be rushed back from his injuries in order to play in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They said as much when Peterson suffered the dual ACL and MCL injuries, and they've said the same things through the entire process. Peterson, on the other hand, has been pretty excited about the potential of getting in the game as soon as possible.

In a piece from the Pioneer Press, Peterson is quoted as saying he's ready to roll, regardless of what the snap count is:

Coach Leslie Frazier has preached patience with the team's prized investment, not wanting to rush him back and jeopardize further injury. Backup Toby Gerhart is good insurance until Peterson is ready.

That time is now, Peterson says. "If that's 10 snaps, five, 25, 30 -- I'm ready to roll," Peterson said.

Peterson could be ready to play, but that doesn't mean he's going to. Minnesota faces a somewhat favorable matchup against the Jaguars on Sunday and the team could elect to play it very safe with their franchise running back by holding him out until Week 2. Being ready to go and actually getting cleared to play are two entirely different things.

Still, there are some who believe Peterson is guaranteed to play barring a setback. Tom Pelissero believes that Peterson will get anywhere from five to 10 carries in the game if all things go well prior to Sunday.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Won't Play On Special Teams, Either

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings RB To Get Limited Snaps If Available For Opener

The Minnesota Vikings have been hopeful that running back Adrian Peterson would be able to return for the season opener on Sunday since he went down with dual ACL and MCL injuries a season ago. They've also been saying that they plan to be very cautious regarding the injury, insisting that they won't rush him back. The reality has always been that Peterson will be limited if he does in fact play, and that's now been confirmed.

Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press reported via Twitter that Leslie Frazier said Peterson would get "limited exposure" if he played on Sunday, and that the team would gradually work him back. Peterson is set to take some full contact in practice this week, which, given the nature of his injury, might be the most the Vikings want to subject him to.

Running backs generally don't need to practice and drill as much as other players do. It would be surprising if Peterson takes more than a few carries, if he even takes any. The team might just want to bring him in on a couple snaps as a diversion to really get his feet wet. By all accounts, it sounds like he'll be ready for a full workload by Week 2, at least.

For more Vikings news and analysis, check out Daily Norseman or check out SB Nation Minnesota. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Adrian Peterson Says He's Not Injury Prone

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has missed only seven games in his five-year NFL career, but after blowing out his knee at the end of the 2011 season, Peterson is beating back the notion that he's "jinxed."

"No I don't think I'm jinxed at all," Peterson said. "That [first injury] happened my junior year. I'm five years in [the NFL]. That's a good span of time without having any serious injuries."

(via Minnesota Star-Tribune)

The first injury that Peterson is referring to is when he broke his collarbone as a junior at Oklahoma, which forced him to miss seven games that year. The notion of Peterson as fragile mostly dates back to his time at Oklahoma, where he dislocated a shoulder as a freshman and missed time as a sophomore with a high ankle sprain. Concern about Peterson's durability is cited as the main reason why he dropped all the way to No. 7 overall in the 2007 draft.

For more Vikings news and analysis, check out Daily Norseman or check out SB Nation Minnesota. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Fantasy Football Advice: Draft Adrian Peterson, Call Me Maybe Parody Video Says

Adrian Peterson To Dress For Vikings Final Preseason Games

Adrian Peterson will be in uniform for Friday night's preseason game between the Minnesota VIkings and San Diego Chargers. Unfortunately for the paying customers, however, No. 28 will remain on the sidelines once the Vikings' penultimate preseason game begins.

Peterson will take part in pre-game warmups, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, but the plan hasn't changed regarding the Vikings' decision to keep him on the sidelines for the final two preseason games of the year.

In addition to reporting on Peterson's expected attire for Friday night, Mortensen also reports that he's expected to take some contact next week.

Peterson will experience contact in practice next wk. No setbacks, he'll go week 1 but Toby Gerhart will get fair share of carries this yr.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 23, 2012

That should alleviate some concern from those worried that Peterson needed live carries in the preseason, but we're going to assume his teammates might be a bit nicer than those paid by other teams to tackle running backs.

For more Vikings news and analysis as well as the latest news on Adrian Peterson, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation's Minnesota's Training Camp StoryStream for more training camp coverage. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Adrian Peterson Experiencing No Swelling In Injured Knee

Adrian Peterson's knee continues to improve, reports Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, saying his knee has shown no swelling the morning after practice.

This news coming a day after the Minnesota Vikings said they'll sit the star running back for the remainder of the preseason in hopes of having him healthy by the time the regular season roles around.

Fowler says Peterson had 18 carries in Thursday's practice as the team prepares him for an increased workload up until Week 1. The big step will be taking contact, which AP has yet to do.

The Vikings host the Jacksonville Jaguars Sept. 9 to open the 2012 NFL regular season.

For more Vikings news and analysis as well as the latest news on Adrian Peterson, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation's Minnesota's Training Camp StoryStream for more training camp coverage. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Adrian Peterson Preaching Patience, Waiting Out The Preseason

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson spoke to the media Tuesday after learning that his team would not allow him to play in any preseason games. Peterson did not sound thrilled about the decision, but he does sound resigned to taking nothing but practice snaps:

"I’ve been preaching to myself. I’ve been repeating it and trying to brainwash myself. Patience. Patience. Because the past couple of weeks I really haven’t been hearing the things I’ve wanted to hear. So I’ve had to be patient. Patient. Overall, I’m understanding it man and we’re on the same page. And my goal’s not going to change. So I’m just going to be patient and continue to do what I can do to make sure that I’m able to reach that goal [of playing Sept. 9]."

Though some reports held that Peterson was unhappy with the Vikings' decision, he smoothed over any potential conflict with some 'team-first' words:

"I understand from their point of view, from the coaching staff, from ownership, how they’re viewing everything with what’s most important for this organization and this team. So with that being said, I’m just going to do my part."

The Vikings host the Jacksonville Jaguars Sept. 9 to open the 2012 NFL regular season.

For more Vikings news and analysis as well as the latest news on Adrian Peterson, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation's Minnesota's Training Camp StoryStream for more training camp coverage. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Sitting Out Preseason 'Right Thing To Do,' According To Coach

News broke on the Adrian Peterson injury front early in the week when it was reported that the Minnesota Vikings planned for the All-Pro running back to sit out the entire preseason. The Vikings decided to make it official on Tuesday, though, saying it was the right thing to do.

There had been some speculation that Peterson wasn't on board with sitting on the sidelines after returning to practice last week -- ahead of schedule, no less -- but the Star Tribune's quotes from Leslie Frazier following practice on Tuesday seems to show that Peterson is (kind of) okay with the rest.

"Hopefully there won't be any setbacks. There haven't been to this point. He's continued to progress. And everything has gone better than can be expected up to this point. But this is a decision we made. We talked with him about it. And for the first time in our conversations, he kind of seemed like he understood. He even used the word ‘patience.' And I was like, ‘Wow. Finally. It's clicking.' He's on board, everybody's on board. This is the right thing to do."

Interesting quote from Frazier, to be sure, but it's probably good that Peterson's decided he's okay with resting on gamedays for the next couple of weeks until the games actually start to matter.

For more Vikings news and analysis as well as the latest news on Adrian Peterson, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation's Minnesota's Training Camp StoryStream for more training camp coverage. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings Won't Play Running Back In Preseason, According To Report

All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson won't see any game action until the regular season, as the Vikings have opted to hold their star player out of the final two preseason games, according to the Star Tribune.

Peterson is recovering from reconstructive surgery on a torn ACL and MCL he suffered in his left knee last season during a Dec. 24 game against the Redskins. He had hoped to see some playing time in the preseason to get back into the flow of the game, but now it looks as if he'll have to wait until the season opener on Sept. 9 against Jacksonville.

Peterson has made an incredible recovery from his injury and has participated in four practices in full pads, but has yet to practice with contact. The Vikings are playing it safe by holding Peterson out of the Aug. 24 game against the Chargers and the preseason finale on Aug. 30 in Houston.

For more on Peterson and the Vikings; check out Daily Norseman and SB Nation Minnesota.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings Don't Plan To Play RB On Friday

The Minnesota Vikings don't plan on playing running back Adrian Peterson during the team's preseason game against the San Diego Chargers on Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Previous reports stated that the team was considering playing Peterson, but it appears he'll sit out of his third straight exhibition game.

As Schefter notes, the team expects Peterson to ask to play on Friday, but it doesn't plan on allowing him to do so. He's still working towards being fully healthy from reconstructive knee surgery, and the Vikings don't want to risk injury to arguably their most important player in a meaningless game.

Last season, Peterson carried the ball 208 times for 970 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games, but his season ended prematurely when he tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee against the Redskins on Dec. 24. After months of recovery, he expects to be ready for the first game of the regular season

For more Vikings news and analysis as well as the latest news on Adrian Peterson, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation's Minnesota's Training Camp StoryStream for more training camp coverage. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Leslie Frazier Says RB Could Play Friday

The Minnesota Vikings will host the San Diego Chargers at Mall of America field on Friday, and there is a strong possibility All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson could take the field for the first time since Dec. 24, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in a gruesome left knee injury.

In a press conference transcript posted on the team's website, head coach Leslie Frazier said that they're still bringing Peterson along slowly and that a determination on his status for Friday could be made by Tuesday or Wednesday:

We're going to give him a little bit more each day, see how he responds and continue to determine what is the next step. Just go day-to-day. We have some ideas of how we want to approach it but a lot of it is how he feels with some of the things we're going to give him this week.

We'll probably just see how he does with some of the stuff we'll give him and probably make a determination by Tuesday or Wednesday on if we want to do anymore.

For more Vikings news and analysis as well as the latest news on Adrian Peterson, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation's Minnesota's Training Camp StoryStream for more training camp coverage. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Adrian Peterson Has Vision Of Playing In Season Opener

Things looked rather bleak in December, but Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson believes that he'll be ready for the team's regular season opener on Sept. 9, as Yahoo! Sports reports. Peterson is recovering from tearing the ACL and MCL in his left knee, major injuries that typically take up to a year for recovery.

Despite the severity of Peterson's injuries, the running back has been working hard during the summer to join his teammates for the opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As he tells the AP's Dave Campbell, he's optimistic as he progresses through rehab ahead of schedule:

Despite what everyone else had to say, that was my vision. I knew it was going to be a journey, a path, to get closer to that vision, and I'm closer. I see it. It's closer now. It was far away in the beginning, but I've been working hard and just moving forward. So hopefully here in a couple weeks -- here in a couple weeks, not hopefully -- that vision will be right there in front of me in my lap.

Peterson injured his knee on Dec. 24 against the Washington Redskins, and he had reconstructive surgery during the following month. For an explosive running back like Peterson, having healthy knees is absolutely integral to his success, so you have to imagine that the Vikings want to be cautious with their star player. There's no obvious timetable for his return yet, but the back appears to be planning on Sept. 9 for his return.

For more Vikings news and analysis as well as the latest news on Adrian Peterson, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation's Minnesota's Training Camp StoryStream for more training camp coverage. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Touch Adrian Peterson In Practice And You're Cut, Apparently

PHOTO: Adrian Peterson Returned To Practice Tuesday, Full Pads And All

Adrian Peterson Injury: Leslie Frazier Hasn't Set Timetable For Return

The Minnesota Vikings and, more specifically, head coach Leslie Frazier have been very adamant that Adrian Peterson's return to practice is nothing more than a step in the running back's rehab process. They've been quick to quell suggestions that the practice appearances mean Peterson is sure to return in time for the start of the regular season, and have stuck with the line that he is simply ready to start working on some drills that he is required to complete in order to come off the physically unable to perform list.

Still, Peterson returning this early is not the norm. It's been a little over seven months since his surgery to repair torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee -- players usually don't even think about returning from such surgery until eight months after going under the knife, and most don't make it back to these kinds of drills closer to nine months.

But according to ESPN Twin Cities, Frazier isn't surprised one bit:

"Maybe if it was someone else," Frazier said. "But with Adrian, he's unique and he's always been that way in the time that I've known him in his career. He's special in so many ways and we all know the severity of the injury and what's required to come back.

While Peterson's return is a promising development that has made many feel like Peterson will be back in time for the regular season, Frazier speaks the truth -- tearing both your ACL and MCL is one of the most severe injuries in football from which a player can actually return. Peterson may be healing faster than any player in recent memory, but if he's not 100 percent in time for Week 1, then the Vikings shouldn't push him into playing.

That being said, it doesn't sound like Minnesota would do that. Other quotes from the piece continue with the warnings about the severity of Peterson's injury, with Frazier saying that he hasn't put a timetable on Peterson's return yet and that it will all likely go down to the wire.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Returns To Practice, Defies The Odds Again

Less than eight months after tearing his ACL, his MCL, and his meniscus, Adrian Peterson is ready to resume full contact practices at Minnesota Vikings training camp. If you think that's crazy, then you don't know Adrian Peterson.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Running Back Still Uncertain For Start Of NFL Season

Adrian Peterson returned to practice for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon, leading many to believe that he's ahead of schedule following last year's gruesome season-ending knee injury. That might not necessarily be the case, however, judging by the post-practice comments from Vikings coach Leslie Frazier.

Frazier told the Star Tribune that Peterson might still not be ready for the start of the NFL season, but rather his being removed from the Physically Unable To Perform list was just the next step in what could be a long process.

"I want to caution you," Frazier said after Peterson was taken off the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list on Sunday morning. "I know there are a lot of fans that are very optimistic and excited about seeing him back. But for us, it's just a part of the process. It doesn't mean a whole lot other than he's done a great job in his rehab up to this point.

"He's done everything he can do on the side, and now it's the next step in the process. It doesn't mean in the future he's going to be lining up with our team in the opening game [against Jacksonville on Sept. 9]. We don't know that."

Frazier didn't set a timetable for when we will know that, leaving quite a bit up in the air regarding Peterson's status at this point in time.

For all news and information regarding the Minnesota Vikings, please visit the Daily Norseman or check out SB Nation Minnesota. For complete coverage of all things football, stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings RB 'Like A Kid In A Candy Store' At First Practice Back

Immediately after Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson went down with dual ACL and MCL injuries, folks were questioning whether or not he would be able to return in time for the start of the 2012 NFL season. As the preseason approached, we heard more and more optimistic views, but the past few days have seen reports that Peterson may not be ready for the start of the regular season.

Regardless, Peterson was activated from the physically unable to perform list and returned to practice. He still has to wait before he dons full pads and can start making physical contact with other players, but all accounts have Peterson attacking his drills with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind (to steal a line from Jim Harbaugh, coach of the San Francisco 49ers).

Josh Katzowitz of CBS Sports had a quote from Peterson after he returned to practice:

"I was like a kid in a candy store today," Peterson said. "When I came out here and they threw me in with the first group. I was smiling. I had to try to calm myself down. I was going a little too fast for a walkthrough in the beginning. For me, this is so satisfying. I had a lot of people doubting me and saying this and saying that. But I kept my faith and kept working hard. Now, I'm back in the mix."

Good thing Peterson acknowledges that he needs to calm himself down. The last thing Minnesota needs is Peterson to aggravate his injury and miss significant time. The timetable is still point toward Peterson coming back on or near week one, but the Vikings really should play it safe if it's really pushing it. Seeing him in week two as opposed to week one wouldn't be the end of the world, and it might help the team further see what they've got in quarterback Christian Ponder.

Peterson can don full pads on Tuesday, but it's unlikely he receives anything near a full physical workload, as his return to training camp is less about him being ready and more about him having more ways for him to workout and rehab under the collective bargaining agreement.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings RB Could Be Activated On Sunday

The prognosis for Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's return continues to improve and according to reports, Peterson could be activated to take part in training camp as early as Sunday.

The devastating, season-ending injury to Peterson's left knee threatened to keep the dynamic running back out of action to start the 2012 season, but now just two weeks into training camp it appears Peterson may be ready to help the Vikings in their opener against Jacksonville.

Now, as coach Leslie Frazier considers adjusting his depth chart following the Vikings' 17-6 loss to San Francisco on Friday night, he's considering adding Peterson to the mix.

Another possibility under consideration: taking star halfback Adrian Peterson off the active/physically unable to perform list, where he has been since the start of training camp as he recovers from knee reconstruction.

"We're going to discuss it," Frazier said. "We'll discuss where he is and what's the next step for him this week, whether we continue to work through rehab or how we want to approach it."

For more Vikings news and analysis as well as the latest news on Adrian Peterson, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation's Minnesota's Training Camp StoryStream for more training camp coverage. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings RB Is "Ready To Get Hit"

The Minnesota Vikings anticipate that running back Adrian Peterson to will in their season opener on September 9, but they are not yet sure when they will take him off the Physically Unable to Perform list this preseason.

As of right now, Peterson is still doing strength and conditioning exercises while his teammates go through full practices in training camp. He will remain with strength coaches when the Vikings play their preseason opener in San Francisco on August 10, but he's eager to get back on the field.

"I'm just going to go with the flow," Peterson said Wednesday. "Hopefully the plan's to get back in there and slowly but surely get back into the rhythm of things. I'm excited. I've been working hard out here to get back out on the field with the guys. I'm just looking forward to being able to do that."

...

"I'm ready to get hit," Peterson insisted. "It might sound strange. Just to get that feel. It's time to get going. I know that they understand that. They've been getting good feedback. I'm sure they're as excited as I am to get back out there."

Peterson and coach Leslie Frazier were set to meet Wednesday night to discuss options moving forward. He will be re-evaluated on Sunday to determine whether or not Minnesota will activate him.

For more Vikings news and analysis as well as the latest news on Adrian Peterson, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation's Minnesota's Training Camp StoryStream for more training camp coverage. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Adrian Peterson Nearing Return, Could Practice Next Week

On Wednesday afternoon, Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson continued to affirm that he is closing in on a return to the team's 90-man roster. Peterson has been on the Vikings' preseason physically unable to perform list as he continues to rehab from ACL and MCL tears that were repaired on Dec. 30.

Via ESPN.com:

"I'm looking forward to being out here pretty soon," Peterson told reporters. "I've been out for like two weeks, so it's time to get going. I know that they understand that and they've been watching and they've been getting good feedback, so I'm sure they're pretty much as excited as I am."

Peterson will not be traveling with the team for their first preseason game in San Francisco on Friday but could potentially return to the practice field as early as Sunday.

Most importantly, Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said that there are no indications that Peterson will be unable to play in the regular season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 9.

For more Vikings news and analysis as well as the latest news on Adrian Peterson, be sure to visit Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation's Minnesota's Training Camp StoryStream for more training camp coverage. Also make sure to check out SB Nation's NFL hub for more football news.

Vikings Coach Leslie Frazier Hopeful That Adrian Peterson Will Get Preseason Carries

Although the rehabilitation process has been strenuous for injured Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson, it appears the talented runner could be in line for a decent amount of work in the preseason according to coach Leslie Frazier.

Frazier spoke with Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com about Peterson's progress from the debilitating knee injury that ended his 2011 campaign, and mentioned that he believes the Pro Bowler should be able to ramp things up in the coming weeks. "We'll see how he progresses," Frazier said. "But ideally, you'd like to see him get some carries at some point in the preseason just for his benefit, where he can gain some confidence and get a feel for where he is and where he needs to be by the first game of the season."

While the team made the decision to place him on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list before training camp, Peterson took handoffs and ran simulated situations with trainers on Saturday in what can only be viewed as a promising workout. "That's what we're trying to get done," Frazier said, "just to simulate somewhat some of the things he would do in drill work to see how he responds and one of the keys is what happens the day after."

Peterson has remained steadfast in his goal to play in Minnesota's opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 9, and even clamored to be added to the training camp roster earlier this month. But considering how there might not be a more dynamic running back in professional football when fully healthy, however, the Vikings seem wise to be taking a cautiously optimistic approach with their star player at the moment.

For more on Peterson's injury status, stay with this StoryStream. For more Vikings news, head over to Daily Norseman, and for more NFL coverage be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp: Adrian Peterson On The PUP As Practice Resumes Saturday

The Minnesota Vikings get back on the practice field Saturday for their second practice of training camp. One player that will be on the field working with the team is running back Adrian Peterson. The Vikings placed Peterson on the PUP list to start training camp.

Peterson is still working his way back from knee surgery. If it were up to Peterson, he would be on the field with the other players. Head coach Leslie Frazier told the press after practice that Peterson protested the move. Peterson said he understood the coach's position.

"Ultimately I knew how the conversation was going, that it wasn't going to go my way no matter what I thought," Peterson said. "But I understand the decision."

The Vikings can remove him from the PUP list at any time during training camp.

Minnesota has two practices scheduled for Saturday. A walk-thru is from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., and the players will practice with helmets in the afternoon session from 2:45 - 5:30 p.m. A complete schedule is available on the team's website.

For more Vikings training camp news, stay with this StoryStream. And of course, for the best Minnesota Vikings coverage on the web be sure to visit Daily Norseman.

Adrian Peterson Placed On PUP List, Says Leslie Frazier

On Friday afternoon, Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier stated that the team's superstar running back Adrian Peterson was going to be placed on the active Physically Unable to Perform list.

Leslie Frazier says Adrian Peterson is on active/PUP. #Vikings

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 27, 2012

According to Tom Pelissero of ESPN 1500, Peterson doesn't appear to be happy about the decision and stated that he didn't want to be held back.

Peterson indeed put up a fight. Said he didn't want to be held back. Frazier: "We need to do a few things and then make a determination."

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 27, 2012

Peterson can be removed from the preseason PUP list at any time prior to the start of the regular season. If he is not well enough by then and is placed on the regular season PUP list, then he will be forced to sit out the team's first six games.

However, he is not expected to be out that long.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings RB May Fight Possible Decision To Place Him On PUP List

Ever since Vikings running back Adrian Peterson tore his ACL in the final game of the 2011 NFL season, he has had a goal set of being back on the field at full strength by the first game of the season, including being ready to go full tilt at training camp. On Thursday, the Vikings threw a bit of a wrench into that scenario for Peterson when they announced he may be going to the physically unable to perform list.

According to a TwinCities.com article, Peterson may lobby against being stuck on the list:

"I'm going to lobby to get out there. I feel like I can participate a little bit," Peterson said Thursday after arriving at Minnesota State Mankato.

"It's going to be their call. My main focus is just getting out there and trying to get myself ready. To be honest with you, I'm going to try to fight against (PUP) so I can get out there and be involved. Ultimately, I know these guys are going to do what's best for this team."

Training camps open for the Vikings on Friday, and the Vikings are expected to make their decision of whether or not to put Peterson on the PUP list by the time the camps kick off. If they do, there's not much that Peterson can do about it except keep going on his road to rehabilitation -- his goal of being completely ready for the first game of the 2012 season is still attainable.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings RB Likely Heading To PUP List

The Minnesota Vikings are still hoping that star running back Adrian Peterson can return from reconstruction surgery on his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in time for the regular season. As it stands, he's only about seven months removed from the injury that was suffered on Dec. 24 against the Washington Redskins.

That being said, training camp is starting and the Vikings may need the roster spot while Peterson isn't ready to go. As such, Tom Pelissero of ESPN Twin Cities is reporting that the Vikings are expected to place Peterson on the physically unable to perform list.

Two NFL sources said the Vikings planned to place Adrian Peterson on the active/physically unable to perform list before their first walkthrough on Friday, barring the unlikely event the star halfback can talk them out of it.

If it's all in doubt as to whether or not Peterson can even begin the regular season in time, it wouldn't make sense to keep him active for all of training camp and the preseason. A player on the PUP list cannot practice with the team or play in any preseason games, but can be activated at any time.

The Vikings can activate Peterson prior to the start of the regular season, but then he would have to remain on the roster if not placed on injured reserve. If they keep him on the PUP at the start of the regular season, then Peterson will have to miss the first six weeks of the season. It's likely they'll pull him off before the start of the regular season, though.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Can Adrian Peterson Still Be The Best Running Back In The NFL?

Adrian Peterson has widely been considered the best back in the NFL for the past few years. But after AP blew out his knee late last season, he appears to have relinquished the crown. Will he ever be able to get the title back?

Adrian Peterson Still Hoping To Participate Some In Training Camp

Everyone's wondering about the status of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and when the star might be able to return from ACL and MCL surgeries.

Peterson has stated that he aims to be back by their opening game, but the Vikings' trainer has cautioned that might not happen. Peterson has performed drills for reporters and says he's even 50-50 on participating at training camp, but that hasn't stopped speculation from running rampant that Peterson will miss time during the regular season.

On Thursday, Peterson took his critics to task:

"If I listened to all the critics, I'd be out a year and half, two years," Peterson said from Sheridan Arts Magnet School in Minneapolis, where the team conducted its annual playground build Thursday, May 31. "'I'm just doing my thing. I put my faith in God, and he's been carrying me through so far." [...]

"I do feel I'll be able to do something [at training camp]," Peterson said.

Peterson tore his ACL and MCL back in December and those types of injuries usually require anywhere from 10-12 months for full recovery. Peterson is hoping to defy history and get back to the Vikings sooner rather than later.

For more on Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings, check out The Daily Norseman. More news and analysis on the NFL in general can be found at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings Running Back 50-50 On Training Camp Participation

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is honest. If you ask him a question, he's going to give you an honest answer as honestly as he can. Honest. In all seriousness, Josina Anderson had a post on TwitLonger with a statement from Peterson on his rehab and, more accurately, when he thinks he'll be ready when it comes to the Vikings training camp:

Adrian Peterson on training camp: "To be honest with you I feel like 50-50. I feel like honestly, sitting here telling you the truth, I'll be able to participate doing certain things. I think I'll be able to participate. I'm going to be all the way honest with you. I feel like I will be able to get out there and you call a run play or whatever, I'll be able to go through practice. That's how I feel. That's my mindset; but I'm going to follow the protocol. Whatever the Vikings and their staff want me to do, then I'm gonna do that; but I'm not going to hinder myself. I'm going to let those guys know how I feel, so if I'm able to get out there and get a couple of reps or whatever, then I'm going to participate in that way. But I'm sure they've got my best interests in hand, so we'll work it out."

From the very beginning, it was noted that the Vikings didn't want to push Peterson along at any kind of rapid clip. Immediately after the injury, the strength and conditioning coach noted that Peterson would come back when he's ready, and that the team wouldn't be stupid about how they handle it, with it being such a significant injury.

Peterson did recently work out for reporters during a press conference in which he stated that he feels like he'll be ready for day one of the season. Given that they're still targeting him for day one, it's hard to imagine him actually participating in anything approaching a full training camp workload, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him in attendance.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings Star RB Performs Drills For Reporters, Still Hopes To Play Opening Day

On Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota Vikings and star running back Adrian Peterson held a rehab press conference to the surprise of many mainstream media outlets. Everyone had already assumed that Peterson, who sustained a ACL tear in the final game of the 2011-12 season was hopefully to shoot for the opening day of the 2012-13 season making another press conference unnecessary.

However, there was good reason for the gathering; Peterson elected to run drills for the media prior to taking questions.

Well, now we know why they're doing this Adrian Peterson presser. He's gonna do drills in front of us. This should be good. #Vikings

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 9, 2012

During the course of his workout, Peterson worked on his lateral movement as well as running drills. For the first part of his workout (the lateral motion portion), he wore a knee brace prior to removing it for the second half of the workout (the running drills).

Here's a clip from the lateral portion of the workout (courtesy of Tom Pelissero):

Here is a clip from the running portion of the workout:

In terms of when Peterson is expected to return, that is still up for question. Peterson was quoted as saying that he is at 50% in terms of cutting and explosiveness. The Vikings head athletic trainer, Eric Sugarman said that everyone involved remains optimistic about a return on opening day, which as of Wednesday was four months away and that the decision will be made by the group (meaning Peterson, the athletic staff and the front office).

Peterson expects to be available for day one of the season:

Peterson says he'd be "very surprised" if he doesn't play in first game. Says he's been smart about the process, though.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 9, 2012

For more on Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings, check out The Daily Norseman. More news and analysis on the NFL in general can be found at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings Head Trainer Cautions September 9 Return May Not Happen

Adrian Peterson, after tearing his ACL in the final game of the 2011/2012 season, has made some great strides in trying to get ready for a quick return to the team, perhaps by the opening day of the 2012/2013 season. Indeed, September 9, the date of the Vikings opening game against Jacksonville, has been the day he's been hawking as the date of his glorious return.

Of course, he's not the one in charge of that and the man who is, Vikings Head Trainer Eric Sugarman, has quickly tempered the optimism of that return date.

"He'll keep throwing that out there. And good for him," Sugarman said. "That's great. That's obviously our goal, to get him playing the first game. But only if he's functionally safe to do it. This is our franchise. We can't be foolish about this."

Peterson and Sugarman will hold a press conference on Wednesday to update the progress of Peterson's rehab, and Peterson might even do some rehab drills to show how far he's come in his recovery. It still won't mean an automatic return on the first day of the year for the Vikings' star back.

For more on Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings, check out The Daily Norseman. More news and analysis on the NFL in general can be found at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Running Back Could Be Healthy By September 9

Adrian Peterson tore his ACL in the Vikings' final game of the year, not too big a loss for a team that was eliminated from the playoffs long before that. The goal during the off season was to hopefully get Peterson back in time to play the 2012 season, and it looks like even if he's not ready at the start he should be good to play very early into the year.

Peterson sent out a tweet early on Friday that seemed to indicate that his goal for being ready to play was September 9, the date of the opening game for the Vikings against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Hard work, determination, desire: goal: September 9. Thanks to my fans, friends and family for your continued support

Getting back to playing form by the time the first game of the season rolls around would be a heck of a feat, but his recovery has been going well enough so far that it's not out of the question at all to think that even if he misses all the training camp and preseason games, Peterson will be ready to play for the season.

For more on Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings, head over to The Daily Norseman. For more on the NFL in general, check out SB Nation's dedicated NFL Hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Minnesota RB Runs For The First Time Since ACL Tear

Adrian Peterson is on schedule to return to the field in Week One after tearing his ACL.

Adrian Peterson Injury Update: Vikings Back Ready To Run On Land, According To Leslie Frazier

It's still a cautiously optimistic guess to say that Adrian Peterson is going to be ready for Week One in the 2012 NFL season for the Minnesota Vikings, but his recovery from a late season torn ACL appears to be going swimmingly. Or more accurately, less swimmingly since Peterson has been cleared to stop running only in water and start doing land running.

Leslie Frazier told NFL.com that Adrian had already begun doing some light work on land and that we would have a more solid idea on how his recovery from the ACL tear was going in a week or two.

Peterson is "just beginning to run this week on land," Frazier said Wednesday while addressing reporters at the meeting. "It's too early right now to say he's absolutely going to make the first game but so far he's on target with everything we've asked him to do."

Obviously, having one of the best backs in the NFL for Week One would be a big help to the Vikings as they look to improve on their fortunes from 2011, but ACL tears are not recoveries to be rushed. There's still plenty of time before training camps open for the 2012 season, so we'll just have to wait and see.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, check out The Daily Norseman. For more on the NFL in general, head over to SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury Update: Vikings Back Running In Water

Adrian Peterson won't be back on a football field any time soon, but his recovery from a late season torn ACL is starting to pick up.

After Peterson said that he wanted to start running again two weeks ago, coach Leslie Frazier raised concerns at the combine about his treatment being a bit rushed and told Peterson not to rush it. Twincities.com reports that instead of just running on the ground, Peterson has instead switched over to doing some running in the water, a much easier exercise on the legs.

Peterson is currently spending the week in Minnesota as his rehab continues to try and get himself back in shape for the 2012 season. If he doesn't rush things with his recovery, he won't be back for the start of the season but is far more likely to be back to his old, dominant self when he does come back.

For more on Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings, head over to The Daily Norseman. For more on the NFL in general, head to the SB Nation NFL hub at sbnation.com/NFL.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Leslie Frazier Says Peterson Won't Run Any Time Soon

Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson has felt good about his recovery from major surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his left knee. So good in fact that Peterson recently implied he would be expanding his rehab routine to begin running by the end of February.

Head coach Leslie Frazier, speaking at the NFL Combine on Friday, made a point to downplay those expectation by reiterating the severity of Peterson's injury, according to a report from 1500 ESPN.

"He's starting to get it now," Frazier said on Friday at the NFL scouting combine. "Early on, he wasn't quite getting it. This is a serious injury. You've got to go at the pace they're telling you to go, because he wanted to break all these records. But now he's getting it. He's doing what they're asking him to do, and he's on target to get back and play again and play well."

Frazier talked with Peterson about the running back's recovery on Thursday to make sure he stuck to the rehab program prescribed to get Peterson back on the field in the best shape possible. According to Frazier, that means Peterson shouldn't expect to run until the "fourth or fifth month" following surgery which puts him into April or May.

At this point in the year there is nothing gained by rushing the rehab process since the goal is to be on the field for the NFL season at the end of the year.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings RB Set To Start Running On Feb. 28

It's been over a month since the last pertinent news related to Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, but it looks like there's some more info now - and it's good news. According to Scout.com, Peterson told KFAN 100.3 FM on Friday morning that he's scheduled to start running at the end of the month, Feb. 28.

"I'm definitely making improvement. I'm starting to get my muscle tone and strength back into the legs," Peterson told Paul Allen on KFAN. "I'm happy with the progress I've made so far. I'm extremely happy."

That's really good news, in regards to the fact that there's no setbacks and it looks like Peterson is on schedule, and if anything, could be a little ahead of schedule. That being said, "running" at this point is probably a far cry from what most of us would consider running when it comes to the star running back. The end of February would likely be too soon for Peterson to actually put all his weight on his legs while running.

Peterson running at this point isn't impossible, but it's likely that "running" isn't actually "running." Obviously, the Vikings will not allow Peterson to do a whole lot with it, regardless. Even if he somehow seemed totally better and ready to go, they would be limiting him as per the plan they've laid out.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also get all of your professional football news over at SB Nation's NFL hub.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings RB Still Targeting 2012 Opener For Return

Just about two weeks after a successful surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament, Adrian Peterson took some time to speak with the media. According to the Pioneer Press, Peterson fully expects to be back by the start of the 2012 season, echoing his sentiments shortly after his injury.

The normal recovery time for an injury like this actually varies, with the start of the 2012 season as good a measuring stick as any. Some has guessed that he'll be ready before than, while others insist that it could take much longer than that. The average time for athletes would put him just beyond the beginning of the 2012 season, though it could take much longer than that for him to feel 100 percent.

Either way, the Vikings aren't planning to rush him. Vikings trainer Eric Sugarman is adamant that Peterson remain patient and continue to follow protocol. He said that they're not in a race, and rushing Peterson back too soon could be disastrous, for the running back and the entire football team.

For more on the Minnesota Vikings, go to Daily Norseman. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NFL hub at SBNation.com/NFL.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings Running Back Undergoes Successful Surgery

The Adrian Peterson injury saga has come to an end as the Minnesota Vikings announced on Friday that their All-Pro running back underwent successful knee surgery with renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Peterson was riddled with an ankle injury prior to his season ending against the Washington Redskins.

Head coach Leslie Frazier delivered positive news regarding Peterson's surgery -- or at least as positive as one can expect considering it was knee surgery -- on the team's website Friday afternoon.

"We've received word that Adrian underwent successful knee surgery with Dr. James Andrews and is now resting comfortably. Adrian is in our thoughts, we wish him a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him when he returns to Minnesota."

With Peterson out, possibly until early next season, second-year pro Toby Gerhardt is expected to get the majority of the carries during the Vikings final game of the season this weekend.

For more on the Vikings, visit the Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings RB Moves Surgery To Friday

The first step in Adrian Peterson's return to the field has now been moved up. The Pro Bowl running back will now have his surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his knee on Friday, Dec. 30. Famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews will perform the surgery, and it has been moved forward because of severe pain that Peterson has been experiencing in his knee over the past few days:

With no damage to the surrounding cartilage, the Vikings expect an eight- to nine-month recovery period and are hoping Peterson can return for the start of the 2012 season, according to head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman.

The surgery was originally scheduled for next Tuesday, but it has been moved up because of the pain in Peterson's knee. Peterson has stated that he will conduct his rehab in Minnesota. An eight- to nine-month recovery period puts him right on the edge of the 2012 NFL season opener in terms of his return.

For more on the Vikings, visit the Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Steve Hutchinson Now On Injured Reserve As Well

Adrian Peterson is not the only Minnesota Vikings offensive starter that will miss the season finale this week against the Chicago Bears. Left tackle Steve Hutchinson will now sit out the final game after being placed on injured reserve after suffering a concussion against the Saints and missing last Sunday's victory over the Washginton Redskins:

The 34-year-old veteran has played 11 NFL seasons, including the past six with the Vikings. He was unable to play last weekend against the Redskins and the Vikings have now decided to shut him down for the year.

To replace Hutchinson on the active roster, the Vikings have signed Jordan Todman off the Chargers' practice squad. Todman is a rookie running back out of Connecticut who was drafted by San Diego in the sixth round last April.

Several key players will be out on both sides this Sunday. The Bears have announced that Matt Forte and jay Cutler will both miss Sunday's game as well.

Adrian Peterson Placed On Injured Reserve As Minnesota Vikings Sign Caleb King

Adrian Peterson's knee injury has landed the All-Pro running back on the injured reserve, effectively ending the season for the Minnesota Vikings running back. In a corresponding move, the Vikings signed Caleb King from the team's practice squad.

Peterson's season ended with a torn ACL, a torn ACL and further damage to his meniscus as well, and while his status for the beginning of next season could be in doubt, Peterson put forth a solid effort this season for a losing team. The fifth-year pro ran for 970 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games for the Vikings, overcoming a high ankle sprain before the knee injury took him out of action for good.

King has yet to make his NFL debut after being a player on the Vikings practice squad thus far this season, but the rookie running back carried the ball 80 times for 430 yards for the Georgia Bulldogs last season.

The Vikings also waived tight end Allen Reisner on Monday while promoting Mickey Shuler from the practice squad.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Running Back Has Meniscus Damage As Well, Team Hoping For 2012 Return

Another day and another injury confirmed for Minnesota Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson. ESPN is reporting that head athletic trainer for the Vikings, Eric Sugarman, spoke to the media and confirmed that "some injury" was suffered to both the medial and lateral meniscus, on top of the aforementioned ligament damage.

Sugarman confirmed reports that Peterson tore the medial collateral ligament (MCL) on top of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), injuries that could range anywhere between seven to 11 months to heal. The meniscus damage complicates things, but the bulk of the recovery still lies on the ACL and MCL injuries.

The report goes on to suggest that the Vikings are hopeful about having Peterson back for the first game of the 2012 season. Sugarman preached caution to the media, and that timetables set forth by other players with similar injuries will not be considered. This is a unique case to him, the Vikings and Peterson himself, and they aren't ruling out either a shorter or longer recovery than what is generally the norm.

Peterson could have surgery within the next ten days, depending on when the swelling on the injury goes down.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Peter King Suggests Vikings RB Won't Be Ready For Opener Of 2012 Season

On Monday, Sports Illustrated's Peter King posted his normal Monday Morning Quarterback article, and had some thoughts on Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. The star running back injured his leg and reportedly has a torn ACL and MCL, both seriously debilitating injuries. It's still very early, and though there's most certainly a "general timetable" for the significant injuries, Peter King takes it a step further, suggesting that Peterson won't be ready for the opener in 37 weeks.

Adrian Peterson will be hard-pressed to open 2012 in the starting lineup for Minnesota. The opener is 37 weeks away. The rehab for the knee injury he suffered Saturday -- an ACL tear with MCL damage, and probably other damage in the knee -- will take about eight to 10 months after surgery. It's an injury much like the 2001 knee injury suffered by Colts running back Edgerrin James, according to SI.com's injury expert, Will Carroll, and also similar to the injury suffered by Wes Welker at the end of the 2009 season. James returned nine-and-a-half months after surgery, Welker after seven months.

While King uses apt comparisons and his math is fine enough, Peterson just suffered the injury and these things don't just vary by days, they can vary by weeks and months. Sure, Peterson could not be ready for the opening game, but it's just too soon and somewhat irresponsible to be making these kinds of predictions. It's really unclear as to whether or not Peterson will be good to go, but it's probably too early to start the Week One Watch, no?

Still, even if Peterson defies King's prediction and is action, it may take him a decent amount of time to actually look 100%. Players rarely return to form immediately after significant ACL injuries. But again, let's wait for further word before declaring him inactive.

Adrian Peterson Injury: Vikings RB Comments On Torn MCL, ACL

The Minnesota Vikings picked up a victory over the Washington Redskins this weekend in what Christopher Gates termed a "costly victory," but there was news worse than the Vikings playing their way out of prime position in next year's NFL Draft. That would be of course, the Adrian Peterson injury that happened in the third quarter when the Vikings running back tore both his ACL and MCL.

Peterson has been injured a couple of times this season, mostly notably missing games due to a high ankle sprain, but the veteran All-Pro knew that Sunday's injury was worse.

"Oh Lord. I just knew it was something bad," Peterson said, recalling his initial reaction, to 1500 ESPN. "it was very severe, the pain was. Once it kind of eased up, I was able to kind of roll around and kind of grasp what just took place."

It's an injury that has some in doubt about Peterson's availability for the early portion of next season, but Peterson himself said he wouldn't do anything different.

"No, not at all. I felt like I was healthy enough to go and be productive. As you guys see in the first half, I was being productive. I felt good coming out the second half, man. I just had more energy and I was ready to really get things going. But unfortunately, it was cut short on the first play."

The Vikings will end their schedule at home on New Year's Day in a contest against the Chicago Bears.

Adrian Peterson Injury: What Are All These Ligaments, Anyway?

So, with all this talk of ACLs and MCLs and all these other CLs, we thought it might be helpful to give you a little bit of an idea of exactly what happened to Adrian Peterson's knee. Here's a helpful video to help you sort of visualize the whole thing.

What happened with Adrian Peterson is that he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee.

The ACL is important because it keeps the knee from being pushed too far forward in relation to the femur, and it is generally injured by a twisting or bending of the knee, much like it was in Peterson's case.

The MCL keeps the knee from being bent open by too much force on the side of the knee.

Peterson has torn two of the four main ligaments that hold the knee together. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are still intact, according to the reports we've gotten so far.

Hopefully this helps you to understand exactly what happened with Adrian Peterson's left knee.

Adrian Peterson Injury Update: Numerous Sources Confirm Torn MCL

We had conflicting reports earlier on about how severe the injury to Adrian Peterson's left knee was from a few different sources, but it appears that things are starting to solidify. And, since this is the Minnesota Vikings, you can safely assume that the worst-case scenario is the one that we're looking at.

Peterson has, indeed, torn two of the three main ligaments in his left knee, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL).

It is unknown how long the rehabilitation period for something like this is going to be for the Vikings' running back, but there is a very good chance that he will have to start the 2012 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, meaning that he would be ineligible to play the first six weeks of the 2012 season, but would still be able to practice with the team in order to get himself healthy. Peterson would then give it a go next October.

Obviously, that's all speculative at this point, but this is about as bad as the Minnesota Vikings could have expected for the man that is, currently, the face of their franchise.

Adrian Peterson Injury Update: At Least A Torn ACL, Possibly More

We're starting to get some reports on the severity of the knee injury Adrian Peterson suffered this afternoon against the Washington Redskins, and no matter how you slice it, it's pretty bad.

The Vikings' public relations office put out a tweet a few minutes ago that said that Peterson suffered a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee, and that Coach Leslie Frazier would have more details in his press conference on Monday.

Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN in the Twin Cities is reporting that an "NFL source" has stated that Peterson not only tore his ACL, but also tore his medial collateral ligament (MCL) as well. Fortunately, neither source is reporting a tear of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which means that Peterson did not hit the same "trifecta" that former Viking Daunte Culpepper reached when he got his knee injured in a 2005 game against the Carolina Panthers.

Still, with knee injuries being what they are, it makes you wonder if even an athlete of Adrian Peterson's abilities will be ready for the 2012 season and, if he is, what state he'll be in when he comes back.

But, for now, the diagnosis on Adrian Peterson's left knee appears to be at least a torn ACL, and possibly worse. We will keep you updated on any pending developments with this story.

Adrian Peterson Injury Update: Vikings RB To Have MRI On Knee Saturday Night

Minnesota Vikings fans will likely not have to wait long to find out the fate of running back Adrian Peterson. The Vikings' staff has released that he will have an MRI on Saturday evening, and that will determine the course of treatment for the back:

Peterson will have an MRI on his knee tonight per Frazier. - @VikingsFootball via Twitter

Peterson appeared to have a significant knee injury when he was hit by DeJon Gomes on the first offensive play of the second half. Quarterback Christian Ponder was knocked from the game with a concussion one play later, but the Vikings still went on to earn the victory.

Neither player returned, and it is highly doubtful that Peterson will now play in next week's season finale against the Chicago Bears. Peterson had rushed for 38 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries when he left the game. Toby Gerhart ran for 109 yards in Peterson's place.

ANIMATED: Adrian Peterson Leg Injury Looks To Be Significant

Bad news for the Minnesota Vikings in their game against the Washington Redskins. The result of the game has suddenly become horribly insignificant, that is to say, if the injury to running back Adrian Peterson ends up as bad as it looked. Peterson went down with what appeared to be a serious knee injury, and if you're going to look at it, keep in mind that it's not for the faint of heart.

It certainly looks like something is broken. Peterson went down, and was carted to the locker room for further examination. There's no official word on his status, but you can bet it will be quite a bit worse than "questionable." Peterson has been banged up with an ankle sprain for the last few weeks, but this is clearly far worse than that.

For the most part, it's too early to speculate, but folks have to hope that it won't keep Peterson out of, say, next season. Below is an animated .gif of the injury.