Adrian Peterson Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation Surrounding Vikings RB

Updates from Wednesday, Sept. 17

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Adrian Peterson is expected to remain with the Vikings, despite being put on the exempt list:

Original Text

Adrian Peterson was officially deactivated for Week 2 and now the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly exploring its options regarding the star's future within the organization—namely, whether it's time to move on from the All-Pro for good. 

According to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post, Vikings brass has ruled out releasing Peterson outright, but will explore its trade options:

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All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson could be on the trading block if even uglier details emerge from his felony child abuse case in Houston, The Post has learned.

[...]

But everything else — including the long-shot possibility of a trade — is still on the table after the Minnesota star was arrested and jailed over the weekend for allegedly injuring his 4-year-old son last May by brutally beating him with a thin tree limb while the child was naked.

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Following Hubbuch's report, the Vikings announced Peterson would be reinstated and expected to play in Week 3:

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Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will fully participate in this week’s practices and meetings and is expected to play this Sunday in New Orleans.

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The team continued with a statement from Vikings Owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf:

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Today’s decision was made after significant thought, discussion and consideration. As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday’s game, this is clearly a very important issue. On Friday, we felt it was in the best interests of the organization to step back, evaluate the situation, and not rush to judgment given the seriousness of this matter. At that time, we made the decision that we felt was best for the Vikings and all parties involved.

To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child. At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action. This is a difficult path to navigate, and our focus is on doing the right thing. Currently we believe we are at a juncture where the most appropriate next step is to allow the judicial process to move forward.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support Adrian’s fulfillment of his legal responsibilities throughout this process.

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The Vikings almost immediately deactivated Peterson for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, and he was not with the team Sunday. New England scored a dominant 30-7 victory in Minnesota, as the Vikings' offense struggled without their top playmaker.

Backup Matt Asiata rushed the ball 13 times for only 36 yards, though he was more effective in the passing game. Asiata caught five passes for 48 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown for the game's opening score. The Patriots finished the game on a 30-0 run, with quarterback Matt Cassel throwing four interceptions.

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

"We've got to go on and go about it," Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters. "It's just part of life. Would we have liked to have him? Sure, but I think any time you lose your best player, it's a team game, everybody has to step up."

Per Hubbuch's report, Vikings owner Zygi Wilf held a conference call with Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman Sunday night to discuss their future plans. The Vikings have made no determination on Peterson's status going forward at this time. The team travels to New Orleans for a game against the Saints next Sunday.

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