Adrian Peterson Hopes To Return, Won't If Vikings Eliminated From Playoffs
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (WCCO) – Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson spoke with reporters Wednesday for the first time since having surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.
Peterson has been on injured reserve since the Week 2 injury against the Packers with the designation of a possible return. Peterson said Wednesday he still anticipates that he will be back on the field this season, with one exception: He said he won't play if the Vikings are knocked out of playoff contention for "obvious reasons."
Peterson has been spotted running off to the side at recent Vikings practices, hinting that there's a possibility he could return sooner than later.
The Vikings need to win the last four games and get some help to reach the playoffs for the second straight year. Their best bet is to win the NFC North, but that would require the Lions to lose at least three of their last four games. They finish with the Bears, at the New York Giants, at the Dallas Cowboys and home against the Packers.
If Peterson doesn't return this season, it could be his last with the Vikings. He's guaranteed $18 million next season, and the Vikings would be looking to restructure his contract as he's coming off another major knee injury. If he doesn't take a reduced salary, the Vikings would be forced to either pay him the guaranteed money or release him.