Adrian Peterson Injury: Updates on Vikings RB's Week 14 Status and Fantasy Value

The Minnesota Vikings are 2-10 this season with and without Adrian Peterson.

The superstar running back has not been able to carry the weight of terrible secondary and an inexperienced rookie quarterback.

The Vikes aren't going anywhere this year, and it would beneficial to have Peterson on the field working with Christian Ponder, but they have more to worry about, like Peterson's long-term health.

UPDATE: Sunday, Dec. 11, 11:20 a.m. ET by Donald Wood

It looks like the Minnesota Vikings will have to go without Adrian Peterson this week, as reports have him out for the team’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Fantasy Football expert Shane P. Hallam is reporting on twitter:

There is nothing worse than starting the first week of the fantasy playoffs without Adrian Peterson in your lineup. Fantasy players should look to Toby Gerhart as a nice flex to replace Peterson.

Update: Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 9:40 a.m. EDT

Adrian Peterson joined Dan Barreiro and Chuck Foreman yesterday for a chat that was broadcast on the radio. 

AP was asked if he would play on Sunday and had an interesting response.

"God willing I’ll be out there [Sunday]," he said. "I’m like 70 percent."

He also said he would really test his speed and cutting ability on Friday before making any decision.

I would wait until then to make a decision on him for your fantasy football lineup this week. 

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio (via Rotoworld):

"

the Vikings might shut down Peterson altogether for the final five games because they're not serious playoff contenders. NFL teams don't normally operate like that, but it's certainly conceivable that the Vikings will take every precaution possible with their $96 million back. Fantasy owners should be prepared to be without A.P.

"

This is not how teams typically operate, and we consistently hear how players and teams refuse to ever "tank," but the Vikes don't have much to play for.

Peterson is still the best running back in the league, and the Vikings would be wise to do all they can to help him out this offseason.

As for Week 14, Toby Gerhart will be back on the field for Minnesota, with Percy Harvin earning carries along the way against Detroit as well.

The Lions will be without Ndamukong Suh for yet another week, and they are only 22nd in the league against the run anyway.

Peterson hasn't been ruled out yet, but don't expect him to be part of you lineup this week. If you don't already have Gerhart, it might be too late, but if he's available, you need to add him now.