Peterson's Return, Zimmer's Eye The Vikings' Talk Ahead Of Jacksonville
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (WCCO) -- Under the category of "there is never a dull moment at Winter Park," two story lines on Wednesday as the Vikings prepare for Jacksonville.
Running back Adrian Peterson discussed his possible return, and Mike Zimmer did not want to discuss his eye issues.
We have not seen Peterson since his injury on the field in Week 2 against the Packers, but he's been working out and he says he could come back this season. But not this week, and only if the team is in contention will it be considered.
"My vision is making it to the playoffs. You know that's what I believe and that's what I have my eyes on right now," Peterson said.
But of course all eyes right now are on Mike Zimmer's eye. And as you might expect from a grizzled coach, he's the last one who wants to focus on just that.
So how does coach Zimmer feel about his eye's condition?
"Great," Zimmer said.
Could you give us a little more than that?
"I'm good to go," Zimmer said.
But when did you know that this was becoming a problem again?
"It was just I could tell it was getting worse that's all," Zimmer said.
The players will talk it about it more than Zimmer. They're not surprised to see him back, not the old school coach who is trying to send a message.
"He had a surgery and he's here the next day working his butt off," Terence Newman said. "There's no excuses, so it's kind of the mentality he brings to this team."
So might he have to move from the sidelines to the booth because of this eye injury? It's hard to tell with coach Zim.
"I don't know, the doctors will talk to me about something. Let's talk about Jacksonville, huh?" Zimmer said.
Zimmer's only comment on a report that Harrison Smith could miss this week and beyond with a sprained ankle was that Smith is a tough player who will work hard to get back as soon as possible.