New Orleans Saints: Adrian Peterson may remain mystery until Week 1

The New Orleans Saints may not risk using running back Adrian Peterson at all in the preseason, setting his debut with a new team back a couple weeks

This shouldn’t come as a shock considering he has logged a grand total of two preseason snaps since 2013, but New Orleans Saints running back Adrian Peterson may sit out until the opening weekend of the regular season.

After hinting in the offseason that he may want to suit up for the exhibition games, the newly signed Saint now makes it sound as if that may not happen. Peterson had this to say to Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune:

"“I’ll talk with coach when that time comes,” Peterson said Thursday after joint practices with the Chargers. “And if they say, ‘Hey, we’re rolling’, we’re rolling. If not, it is what it is”"

At 32 years of age, it makes sense why New Orleans doesn’t want to use him in a meaningless game. The last season Peterson was healthy, he was a game changer for the Minnesota Vikings. In 2015, Peterson went for 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns, but injuries severely limited him in 2016. The Minnesota franchise rushing leader went for just 72 yards as he battled knee problems.

Ultimately, the rough season became his last as the Vikings decided it was time to part ways. After a lengthy free agency period for him, Peterson finally found his new home with the Saints. He now hopes to help them become a more balanced offense as he joins star quarterback Drew Brees in the quest to end three-straight 7-9 seasons.

Next: NFL Preseason Week 2: Players looking to stay hot

As fate would have it, the Saints first game of the season is on Monday Night Football when they travel to Minnesota. If AP doesn’t suit up until then, his first NFL action without a Vikings helmet will take place against his former team under the bright lights of the new stadium he had a hand in building thanks to the numerous seats he filled for years.