Latest Injury Updates on Adrian Peterson, Mark Ingram and More

With the 2012 NFL draft and most of free agency in the rear-view mirror, we take a closer look at a number of injury rehabilitations from around the NFL, including that of running backs Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings and Mark Ingram of the New Orleans Saints. 

Adrian Peterson—Minnesota Vikings—ACL, MCL, Meniscus 

Peterson suffered one of the more gruesome knee injuries in recent memory during a Week 16 win last season, tearing up his ACL, MCL and meniscus in the process.

While Peterson underwent surgery on the knee just six days after the injury–fast-tracking past the MCL healing on its own beforehand—the outlook for the Vikings running back looked grim for the start of the 2012 season. 

That pessimistic mindset has changed during rehab. 

Peterson was off crutches two weeks after the surgery, and his goal was obvious: Be ready for Week 1 of 2012. From ESPN 1500's Tom Pelissero, Peterson said:

"

The goal is to, my personal goal, is to be back for the first game of the season. We've got this game plan that is laid out and just making sure that I'm executing it. It's going to help me accomplish that goal.

"

So far, so good for Peterson. 

Running for the first time began in late March, which kept in line with a three-month schedule for Peterson's patella—the replacement for his old ACL—to be strong enough for straight-line sprints.

When Peterson did run, he impressed.

"Did a great job," Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said, via Pelissero. "Everybody was impressed. Our trainer, Eric Sugarman, was really impressed with his movement and the things he was able to do. He's on schedule. He's doing well." 

A month after resuming running, Peterson arrived at the Vikings offseason strength and conditioning program with more stability in the knee. And once again, Peterson blew off the socks of those monitoring his rehab—strengthening the idea that Peterson may in fact be ready for Week 1.

Months removed from reconstructive knee surgery, Peterson finished first in four different sets of wind sprints. It was an eye-catching moment for more than just the Vikings staff. From Frazier, via Pelissero: 

"

I remember (backup quarterback) Joe Webb saying, 'I can't believe it. I just can't believe it.' So, he's doing great and we're optimistic that he's going to be ready for that first game. I know that's his goal and we'll just see how he continues to progress, but he's doing great. 

"

Frazier admits that performing lateral cuts is the "next step" for Peterson, and it may be the biggest hurdle left for his recovery. While straight-line running is an important hoop to jump through—especially at Peterson's speed and recovery time—regaining trust and explosion in the repaired knee will take time.

But given how well Peterson's knee has handled the entire recovery process, there's no reason to think he won't be available for the Vikings' Week 1 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Frazier may limit the workload for Peterson early on, but all signs point to his recovery schedule finishing in time for the 2012 opener. 

Mark Ingram—New Orleans Saints—Toe, Knee

A first-round pick of the Saints last April, Ingram missed a large chunk of the 2011 season (six games, plus playoffs) with a turf toe injury that lingered through much of the year.

Surgery to repair the issue was completed in early January, which allowed Ingram ample time to return before any of the Saints' offseason workouts took place. 

Ingram has made sure not to rush back after his injury-plagued rookie season. He said in early March, via Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune: 

"

I should be running and doing more vigorous training, cutting and things like that in about three more weeks. But I'll definitely be cautious and not rush it. Make sure it's 100 percent before I'm doing anything full speed crazy.

"

While he looked on track for participation in the beginning of the Saints offseason program that begins this month, Ingram was sidetracked again by an unexpected knee scope done last Thursday. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the procedure, giving Ingram another six-week timetable for returning. 

While arthroscopic knee surgeries are classified as "minor" in terms of knee work, the accumulation of procedures is the worrying part for Ingram. He's officially undergone three surgeries—including two on his knee—since the 2010 season. The first knee surgery was another scope on his knee before his senior season at Alabama.

A six-week timetable should give Ingram the necessary time to be 100 percent for training camp.

However, Ingram will enter the 2012 season with worrying medical red flags. The Saints have a number of backs capable of handling the workload, so Ingram could see a reduced number of snaps/carries early in the season. 

Other Quick Injury Updates:

WR Stevie Johnson, Buffalo Bills

Johnson underwent groin surgery in late April to fix an issue that dogged him for most of the 2011 season. His agent described the procedure as "very minor," so Johnson should be around Bills camp for most of the offseason.

Training camp doesn't appear to be in any kind of doubt. 

LB/DE Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens 

The Ravens are hoping that Suggs' Achilles injury doesn't include a complete tear, a revelation that would end the reigning NFL defensive player of the year's 2012 season.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Suggs will visit foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson on Tuesday in North Carolina. Expect to find out the outlook for Suggs' 2012 season sometime this week. 

DE Charles Johnson, Carolina Panthers

Johnson had his knee scoped late last week to help reduce swelling, but the Panthers are calling the surgery and recovery time "minor."

According to the Charlotte Observer, Johnson's status for OTAs this month is "uncertain," but the knee should be completely healed by the time camps start in late July.

Johnson had nine sacks for the Panthers in 2011.