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.
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