Adrian Peterson’s prediction of being healthy enough play in Week One was met with some skepticism, but it is getting closer and closer to coming true.
However, for the first time this offseason, the status of Peterson’s knee wasn’t the biggest question facing the Vikings offense. Wide receiver Percy Harvin’s trade demand is taking center stage which meant that the running back had to answer questions about more than his ability to cut on the field. After Wednesday’s morning walkthrough (which Harvin attended), Peterson told reporters that learned about the Harvin issue while he was in bed and that he thinks all wind up fine with his hill-running partner.
“You definitely don’t want to lose this guy,” Peterson said. “I’m sure the organization will do what it has to do to keep this guy around. If it was me, I’d make sure we kept him around. But we’ll see. First I’ll have to sit down and see what’s bothering him. We’re grown men, I’m sure he’s going to do what his mind is set. Personally, I think everything will be OK.”
The Harvin news is overshadowing the fact that Peterson continues to make remarkable progress in his return from a torn ACL and MCL. He said he’s “wide open” on the practice field and that cutting hasn’t been a problem for him at all. He conceded there’s still a long way to go until his left leg is strong enough for the season, but his rate of progress makes it easy to believe that he will cover that ground in time to make good on his prediction.
If Harvin isn’t around for that one, the Vikings are going to be desperate for nothing less than the best of Peterson.