Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs the ball at Cincinnati Bengals strong safety George Iloka (43) in the second half of the game at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals beat the Minnesota Vikings by the score of 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson suffered a foot sprain and a groin injury during the final few weeks of the regular season, and the uber-tough RB tried as hard as possible to play through those injuries. However, the Vikings were wise enough to say, “No, we need you healthy for 2014 and can’t afford to play you, especially when we are way out of playoff contention.” When Peterson did play, it was clear that he was hobbled by both nagging injuries, and it was reported that he would undergo the knife this morning.
Per a source close to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, who reported yesterday that Peterson would need surgery, the timetable for the running back’s recovery is between four and six weeks. As expected, the surgery is relatively minor, and there is little doubt that AP will be healthy to participate in all offseason activities. Knowing Peterson, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Even though he didn’t quite have the mind-blowing numbers he put up last year, Peterson was still excellent in 2013 and worked behind blocking that wasn’t quite as good. He ran for 1,266 yards on 279 carries for ten touchdowns, and the crazy thing is that Peterson has never had less than ten rushing touchdowns in any season of his seven-year career.