Adrian Peterson: Vikings Star off PUP List, Joins Team at Practice

After going down with a torn ACL just nine months ago, Adrian Peterson is ready to return to the football field.

Judd Zulgad of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities reported that the Minnesota Vikings' running back is working with the first team in practice. CBS Sports also confirmed with coach Leslie Frazier that he will be taken off the physically unable to perform list:

"

Coach Frazier said Adrian Peterson is off the PUP list. Must acclimate without pads for two days before returning to full practice.

— Vikings RapidReports (@CBSSportsNFLMIN) August 12, 2012"

Removing him from the PUP list would cost the team a roster spot if the running back is unable to play, but this could be a sign that he will be ready for the season opener.

ESPN reported recently that he has been progressing and is aiming for the team's first game, but were unsure when he would return to practice. Peterson explained that he is ready.

"I'm looking forward to being out here pretty soon. I've been out for like two weeks, and it's time to get going. I know that they understand that, and they've been watching and they've been getting good feedback. So I'm sure they are pretty much as excited as I am," Peterson said.

For a young team in desperate need of offense, this would obviously be great news. Peterson is a four-time All-Pro running back and is still one of the best in the league at his position. He has totaled double-digit touchdowns every year and last season finished with 970 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in only 12 games.

With their starter on the sidelines, the next option for the Vikings is Toby Gerhart. The former Stanford back has performed well when he sees the field, averaging 4.9 yards per carry in limited duty last season.

Unfortunately, there is a huge gap between the two runners, and they need someone to take the pressure off quarterback Christian Ponder.

The Vikings should be concerned about rushing a player back from an injury that usually takes over a year to heal, but if he is cleared by doctors, it will be a happy day in Minnesota.

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