Peterson upgraded to questionable, could play vs. Giants on Sunday

[Dunder Mifflin]

Associated Press


EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Outstanding Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson was upgraded to questionable Friday, increasing his chances of playing against the New York Giants on Sunday.


Tim Heitman / US PRESSWIRE
Adrian Peterson needs to average 121 rushing yards over the next six games to break Eric Dickerson's rookie rushing record.

Peterson tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee two weeks ago against Green Bay, but coach Brad Childress said he thought the NFL's leading rusher was progressing ahead of schedule this week in practice.

"He's getting there," Childress said.

One week after setting the single-game NFL record with 296 yards rushing against San Diego, Peterson was injured when Packers cornerback Al Harris went low to bring him down in the third quarter of a 34-0 loss to Green Bay.

Team doctors were adamant the injury was relatively minor in nature, and Peterson would return at some point this season.

"There's a 50-50 chance he'll play (this week)," Childress said. "That's as professional of fence-riding as you can get, isn't it?"

Peterson said he was encouraged by his week of practice, which included some rehabilitation work in the pool and limited snaps on the field.

"I'm just going to come in tomorrow and see how it feels," Peterson said. "I'm going to take it one day at a time."

Whenever he does return, Peterson will wear a brace to protect his knee, something he is still getting used to.

"It feels like it's been stiffening me up," Peterson said. "It's really just getting used to the brace and everything."

If Peterson can't play against the Giants, Chester Taylor will again get the bulk of the carries. The veteran has proven to be more than capable in Peterson's stead, rushing for 164 yards and three touchdowns in last week's victory over the Raiders.

Cornerback Antoine Winfield was listed as doubtful with an injured hamstring that has nagged him for the past three weeks. Winfield started last week, but missed the second half after it flared up.

"With these injuries, you never know," Winfield said.

Center Matt Birk also missed practice because of a death in the family, but Childress said he would be with the team in New York on Sunday.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved

 

[dez]

I hope he stay's inactive, not just b/c he's playing my Giants this weekend, but b/c he is the future back of the NFL and the last thing he needs to do is hurt himself permanently.

If Childress is a good coach he'll keep him from playing. I mean its not like they're gonna make the playoffs.

 

[Dunder Mifflin]

I hope he stay's inactive, not just b/c he's playing my Giants this weekend, but b/c he is the future back of the NFL and the last thing he needs to do is hurt himself permanently.

If Childress is a good coach he'll keep him from playing. I mean its not like they're gonna make the playoffs.

I like Adrain but he gets injured way too easily.... Good Poin there dez

 

[A.E]

Childress called Peterson's chances at playing this weekend "nearly impossible." Now he didn't think AP would be practicing by Weds, but I still don't think Childress has the balls to put the kid on the field & risk further injury.

Chet Taylor had a great game last week and the Vikings' O-Line is playing at it's best right now. The running game will be fine either way but I am going to say best case scenario, Adrian is dressed on Sunday and gets a handful of carries.

 

[A.E]

It's official Vikings' fans & Fantasy Owner alike:

Adrian Peterson is OUT for today's game vs the G-Men.

-Bummer

 

[VC15]

I like AP, but I'm glad he's out for today. The G-Men are finally catching breaks in the second half of the season.

 

[A.E]

I like AP, but I'm glad he's out for today. The G-Men are finally catching breaks in the second half of the season.

Fear Chester Taylor VC15...FEAR CHESTER! The guy ran wild last week and with that left side of the Viking O-Line, he could very well do it again this week. The Big Match-up is Hutchinson VS Osi-U

 

[vikesfan]

I'm just glad that AD has another week to rest his knee. SKOL VIKINGS!!!!!!!!!

 

[A.E]

SKOL!!!