As expected, an MRI had confirmed that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson suffered a torn ACL during Saturday’s win over the Redskins. The Vikings announced the results of the MRI tonight.
While the Vikings’ statement addressed no other damage in the knee, Tom Pelissero of 1500espn.com reports that Peterson also has a torn MCL. Though the degree of the MCL sprain isn’t identified, Pelissero writes that the MCL will heal without surgery.
There was no damage to the PCL and, presumably, the LCL.
So the news could have been worse for the Vikings. After the injury and the initial evaluation, the Vikings believed the ACL was torn and feared more extensive damage elsewhere in the knee.
Peterson’s timetable for a return isn’t known. His availability for 2012 will depend on various factors.
Fortunately for Peterson, the Vikings were willing to sign him to a long-term deal before the expiration of his rookie contract, which shifted the injury risk from the player and to the team.