Is Adrian Peterson's Return Imminent?
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Vikings understand they need to heal what has been wounded -- but redemption could be two days away.
"This is what you live for, and these are the games that, you know, become the most fun, the Thursday to Thursday, and it's 'who are the men and who are the boys,'" said guard Alex Boone.
Adding to the ambiance this week for the Vikings is that Adrian Peterson has been out running around a bit during practice. WCCO spoke to him two weeks ago, and he didn't rule out a return this season.
It certainly looked like his season was over when he went down against Green Bay, and it still could be -- but this is Adrian.
"You know, he's a great player. You know, we'd welcome him back with open arms and he'd be great for us," said guard Brandon Fusco. "If he's not, we're just going to stick to our game plan no matter where it is."
Head Coach Mike Zimmer said at a recent press conference that Peterson is "probably ahead of schedule" in terms of his recovery.
When you allow yourself to look at what he's done, even if he's not 100 percent, it whets your appetite for what is missing with this team. It is still a long shot, but remember -- this is Adrian.
"Amazing, but not even a surprise to me, you know. He's a freak [laughs]!" said linebacker Eric Kendricks. "This sport shelters freaks, I guess you could say. It harbors them."
The Vikings face the Dallas Cowboys Thursday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:25 p.m.