Adrian Peterson Injury: Leslie Frazier ‘cautiously optimistic’ that RB will play
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson did not practice all of last week due to a groin injury, and the Vikings initially downplayed his absence from practice as a rest day. But once Peterson missed practice on Friday, the Vikings had to fully acknowledge that something was up with Peterson, and head coach Leslie Frazier stated that there were “no concerns” regarding AP’s status.
He was, as expected, out there against the Seattle Seahawks, but he was also in clear pain, which is a huge issue when going up against a defense as good as Seattle’s. Peterson state that the groin injury significantly hampered him, and Frazier also admitted that Peterson was limited by the groin injury in the game. It was a day to forgot for both the Vikings and Peterson, as the game’s best RB only ran for 65 yards on 21 carries (the Vikings run blocking also left a lot to be desired).
According to the St. Paul Pioneer-Press’s Chris Tomasson, Leslie Frazier is “cautiously optimistic” that Adrian Peterson will play through the groin issue and be out there for Sunday’s rivalry game against the Green Bay Packers. Since Peterson is a tough guy, played last week, and probably doesn’t want to miss out on facing the Packers, I would be surprised to see him miss this week’s game. Still, he was definitely hobbled against the Seahawks and the Vikings season is pretty much a lost cause, so you should keep a close eye on Peterson’s practice status this week. That said, Frazier seems to be in full “play-for-your-job” mode, and that’s another reason why I think Peterson will likely play this week.