Adrian Peterson Injury: Why Vikings Must Shut Down Star RB

The Minnesota Vikings need to make an executive decision. Adrian Peterson has no business playing at anything less than 100 percent.

Take a look at the facts: The team is 2-8 in the NFC North, they are going nowhere. The playoffs are out of the question and Toby Gerhart is a capable backup.

There is no reason to risk further injury to only sure thing your franchise has. Peterson is the only member of the franchise that is untouchable at this point. Why would you play him, one week removed from a injury that could lead to a more serious injury?

I know AP wants to play, that is type of guy and player he is, but there comes a time when the coaching staff, hell, even Zygi Wilf needs to step in and protect the player from himself. It seemed as though AP was going to have an anxiety attack on the sidelines as he desperately wanted to return to the lineup.

I admire that spirit, but risk far outweighs the reward in this situation. With no chance for the postseason, star players should not play hurt. This is especially the case with a RB, who just signed a huge contract extension, with an injury to a leg, knee or ankle.

AP doesn't know when to let up with the ball in his hands, nor does he know he should shut it down now. It is the Vikings' franchise responsibility to know when to say when.