So far, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson hasn’t been hit yet by his own teammates (who fear being cut if they do).
But that doesn’t mean he’s not about to go against some Chargers with no such restrictions. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier isn’t ruling out playing Peterson against San Diego Friday night.
“We’re going to give him a little bit more each day, see how he responds and continue to determine what’s the next step,” Frazier said Sunday, via Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com. “Just go day to day. We have some ideas of how we want to approach it, but a lot of it depends on how he feels with some of the things we’re going to give him this week.”
Peterson was activated a week ago, less than eight months removed from reconstructive knee surgery and practiced in pads Tuesday and Wednesday. And while Frazier issued a no-contact order, Peterson said he’s holding up well.
“It felt good,” Peterson said. “I feel like I’m getting better, getting out here, actually getting some work done, but I’m improving every day.”
While he hadn’t met with coaches for a final determination on the plan, he said he “wouldn’t mind,” taking a hit.
“To be honest with you, it really wouldn’t matter either way,” Peterson said. “I feel like I’ll be ready to roll.”
This is one of those situations where players get ahead of themselves. Left to his own devices Peterson would probably already be out there. But Frazier knows he needs his star back in September more than August, so is in no mood to rush it.