Adrian Peterson Injury: Minnesota Vikings RB will stay in walking boot
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on during overtime against the Chicago Bears at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson was on the ground writhing in pain after spraining his foot on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, but any fears regarding a potential Lisfranc injury were put to rest by an MRI yesterday. He won’t need surgery and isn’t a true lock to miss this week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Vikings would honestly be best off playing things as safely as possible with Peterson. Foot sprains like the one Peterson suffered can really hamper a back if not treated properly, and the Vikings clearly aren’t playing for anything more than pride and a draft pick. It’s much better for the Vikings to rest Peterson for the rest of the season rather than play him next week against the Eagles.
According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press’s Brian Murphy, Peterson will stay in his walking boot for the remainder of the week, which puts his status for this week’s game in even more doubt. Peterson isn’t expected to play this week, and I would honestly be surprised if he did. The fact that he is set to remain in a walking boot indicates that the Vikings don’t plan on playing him, and this would be the wisest course of action. While AP has superhuman toughness, it’s just not worth risking anything, because being tough doesn’t actually stop an injury from getting worse.
The Vikings have a tough call to make when it comes to Peterson’s health going forward, so it will be interesting to see what they do in response to his foot sprain. He’s been having another terrific season with over 1,200 rushing yards and ten rushing touchdowns, and the great news is that he didn’t suffer any structural damage and all tests have come clean. Peterson believes he will play this week, but I’m not so sure. Either way, he’s shaping up to be a close call for this week’s game, so keep a close eye out for all injury updates. At this point, I wouldn’t expect him to be out there, but fantasy owners should definitely wait and see.