Adrian Peterson Illness: Updates on Vikings Star's Status and Return

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was battling an illness ahead of Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions, but he still suited up to play.

Continue for updates. 

---

Peterson Comments on Report that Chewing Tobacco Caused Illness

Wednesday, Oct. 28

"They had to report it and coach (Norv) Turner made a joke and it just took off, about the dip," said Peterson, per Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press.

Peterson told reporters on Oct. 25 he became ill after eating shrimp for lunch on Saturday, not swallowing chewing tobacco on the team's flight.

---

Peterson Active for Week 7

Sunday, Oct. 25

When the Vikings announced their inactive players, Peterson was not on the list.

Chris Vannini of CoachingSearch.com passed along a report from Chris Myers of Fox Sports, who said Peterson became ill after he swallowed his chewing tobacco when the team's plane descended. 

---

McKinnon, Asiata Have Experience Replacing Peterson

Through five games this season, Peterson has rushed 101 times for 432 yards and three touchdowns. He's also caught 10 passes for 89 yards. Even though Minnesota is coming off a bye week, Peterson still ranks seventh in the league in total rushing yards and fourth in rushing yards per game (86.4) behind Chris Ivory, Todd Gurley and Le'Veon Bell.

If Peterson is forced to the sideline during Sunday's game, the Vikings will lean on Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata to pick up the slack against the Lions' 26th-ranked run defense, which allows 120.7 rushing yards per game. 

McKinnon and Asiata have carried the ball just 14 and 11 times, respectively, this season, which points to how reliant the Vikings are on Peterson. Simply put, the offense won't function the same if he's ruled out or limited.