Adrian Peterson Injury: Updates on Vikings RB's Week 13 Status and Fantasy Value

The Minnesota Vikings put up a good fight without Adrian Peterson in the lineup, but they fell short to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12. 

Peterson's ankle problems prevented him from playing, and it's no secret the Vikings missed him dearly. Minnesota only had a total of 64 yards rushing this past weekend, which is an indication they need Peterson back. 

The Vikings aren't going to make the playoffs, so rushing Peterson's return would be a dumb move. Without him though, it's obvious they don't stand much of a chance.

Stay tuned here for the latest on Peterson's status for Week 13 against the Denver Broncos. 

UPDATE: Sunday, Dec. 4 at 11:40 p.m. EDT by Kyle Vassalo

CBS Sports Tweets that though Adrian Peterson is out, Percy Harvin is getting the start. Some Peterson owners picked up Toby Gerhart in an effort to fill the void.

While Harvin's presence in the lineup may have the Vikings favoring the pass a bit more, his ability to stretch the field should give Gerhart a boost in the run game.

UPDATE: Friday, Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. EDT by Mike Chiari

According to RotoWorld.com, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will miss his second consecutive game on Sunday with an ankle injury. In his absence, backup Toby Gerhart will get the starting nod against the Denver Broncos.

It has been reported that Peterson has resumed jogging, so a return in Week 14 certainly seems like a possibility. Gerhart is a solid fantasy start at running back of flex this week against the mediocre Denver Broncos run defense, although he certainly won't approach the numbers Peterson possibly could have.

UPDATE: Monday, Nov. 28 at 2:20 p.m. ET 

Tom Pelissero covers the Vikings for ESPN 1500, and he tweeted the latest on Peterson's health.

The words "making progress" can be taken as a good sign, but right now there isn't a whole lot of information. It would be a smart move to wait until he's 100 percent because risking further injury would be ludicrous. 

If you happen to have Peterson on your fantasy roster then be thinking of a fill-in for now. If whatever you did last week worked, then stick to it. If Toby Gerhart is still available in your league, then pick him up.

The Broncos are middle of the pack against the run this year, ranking No. 18 in the league. They allow an average of 120 yards per game, and since Gerhart carried the ball 17 times and did an OK job against one of the leagues best run defenses he is worth the add.

Again, continue to monitor Peterson's status throughout the week. If he's healthy enough to play then of course you have to start him because he's the most talented running back in the NFL.