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.
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