Adrian Peterson Injury: Updates on Vikings Star's Knee and Return

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been out with a torn meniscus since Week 2, but he is working his way back to the field. His official playing status for Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts has yet to be announced.

Continue for updates.

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Peterson Explains Decision to Wear Knee Brace

Thursday, Dec. 15

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Zimmer Comments on Peterson's Recovery, Potential Return

Thursday, Dec. 15

"We'll have to see where he's at in conditioning. There's so many things to figure out," Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said, per ESPN.com's Ben Goessling, who provided more from Zimmer:

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"I think he's in pretty good shape, but he hasn't sat in meetings for three months. There's a lot of things to consider." ...

Asked on Thursday about Peterson saying it will be his decision when he returns, Zimmer said, "I wouldn't say it was his decision. I would say it's a combination. We'll sit down and talk, and the medical people [will weigh in]. It's a lot to do with the medical." ...

Zimmer added he has not yet talked with Peterson about how the Vikings plan to structure his workload. "That's completely up to the medical people what he does."

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"Don't know, we'll see," Zimmer told reporters Wednesday when asked if Peterson could play against the Colts.

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Latest on Peterson's Practice Status

Thursday, Dec. 15

Goessling reported Peterson took part in Thursday's practice session, Peterson's second straight day of participation.

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Peterson Comments on Recovery

Monday, Dec. 12

During an interview with DJ Skee on Dash Radio (via Luke Garrison of ABC15), Peterson said he plans to return against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16.

Peterson spoke with reporters on Dec. 7, saying a return this season is "something I envision," per Eric Smith of the Vikings' official website. Smith added, "Peterson said he feels good and can make all the cuts," but practice is different than game reps. The running back also said he would not return if the team is eliminated from the playoff race, saying he would play it by ear, per Smith.

When asked about a timeline for his return, Peterson said, per Mark Craig of the Star Tribune: "I'm going to keep that among just the coaches and the training staff right now. I'm just focusing on getting my body ready and conditioning and getting back to doing the things that I would have to do on the football field. That's my main focus right now."

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Latest on Peterson's Timeline for Return

Thursday, Dec. 1

Ben Goessling of ESPN.com reported Dec. 18 is a "realistic target" for Peterson's return.

"According to several people briefed on his rehab, Peterson's desire to return before the end of the season is still realistic. No one knows for sure when he'll be back—his return is based on several factors—but there have been no complications to his ongoing recovery," Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Nov. 24.

On Nov. 17, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk reported that Peterson is still receiving treatment for his knee injury. He reportedly still plans to return in December.

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Peterson Can Help Vikings Make Playoff Push

When Peterson is healthy, Minnesota will hope he can perform more like he did last season than he did earlier this year. After being suspended for all but one game in 2014, the running back was back to his best in 2015. He led the league with 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns on 327 carries.

Both age and the physical toll he has put on his body over the years were bound to catch up with Peterson sooner or later, though, and the seven-time Pro Bowler may finally be slowing down.

In Minnesota's Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans, Peterson rushed for 31 yards on 19 carries. A week later, he had 19 yards on 12 carries before exiting a game against the Green Bay Packers with what was later confirmed to be a torn meniscus.

The Vikings exceeded expectations last year, winning the NFC North. They were seemingly set up well for 2016, but they lost Teddy Bridgewater before he played a snap in the regular season. Also losing Peterson caused problems for the offense.

Sam Bradford has played well at times in Bridgewater's absence, but any postseason hopes the Vikings have will be put on hold until Peterson returns. Jerick McKinnon, Matt Asiata and Ronnie Hillman (since waived) have taken turns filling in for Minnesota in the backfield, but the Vikings are hoping Peterson will return soon.