Adrian Peterson Injury: Updates on Vikings RB's 2012 Status and Fantasy Value

The Minnesota Vikings receiver the worst possible news they could have ever imagined when star running back Adrian Peterson tore his MCL and ACL in his knee.

An injury that severe to a running back is career threatening, but the hope from team officials and doctors is that he will work through it and come back to the NFL at 100 percent.

UPDATE: Friday, Dec. 30 at 5:34 p.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Everyone can sleep easy for now. Adrian Peterson underwent successful knee surgery today, according to ESPN's Staff.

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"Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has had surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left knee.

Coach Leslie Frazier said the team was informed that Friday's operation by Dr. James Andrews was 'successful' and that Peterson was 'resting comfortably.' In a statement distributed by the team, Frazier wished Peterson a "speedy recovery."

Peterson tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in the knee during last Sunday's game at Washington. He finished his fifth year in the NFL with 970 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing.

The Vikings have said they expect him to be ready in time for the start of the 2012 season."

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UPDATE: Friday, Dec. 30 at 7:55 a.m. EST by Brandon Galvin

Adrian Peterson is expected to undergo surgery today to repair his torn ACL, according to Sporting News' Mark Craig. 

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"The swelling in Adrian Peterson’s left knee has subsided enough that he’ll be able to have surgery on Friday, just six days after tearing the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in a win at Washington.

That’s good news because it means he can begin his rehabilitation when he returns to Minnesota on Monday. Better news is Peterson has decided to travel to Birmingham, Ala., to have the operation performed by Dr. James Andrews, considered to be the foremost orthopedic surgeon when it comes to putting elbows, knees and shoulders back in elite athletic form.

Peterson is expected to do the bulk of his rehab at the team’s Winter Park facility under the direction of the team’s trainers and doctors. When he does travel to his off-season home near Houston, the Vikings will make sure he has the best doctors and trainers to oversee his rehab."

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This is great news for Vikings fans and potential 2012 fantasy owners, but we have to be aware that this is still a difficult injury to come back from. I'm hard pressed to believe All Day will be 100 percent healthy by Week 1 of next season.

He may be a freak athlete, but that same freak athlete is a glutton for punishing would-be tacklers. If his knee is at all shaky, we could see a timid player, which will certainly disrupt his production. 

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"The Vikings are confident that Peterson will be healthy and in top form for the start of the 2012 season. If he’s not, they feel confident that Toby Gerhart can carry the load in the short term. The team used a second-round pick on Gerhart—a hefty price for a backup running back—and are going to lean on him if they have to. Gerhart has power and determination, but lacks Peterson’s burst, quickness and speed. Gerhart, however, is a better receiver out of the backfield," according to Craig.

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UPDATE: Tuesday, Dec. 27, 11:39 a.m. ET by Donald Wood

The Minnesota Vikings are hopeful that if star running back Adrian Peterson stays in the Minnesota are this offseason to repair his injured ACL and MCL, he could be ready for the start of next season.

The Minnesota Vikings official website is reporting:

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Considering Adrian Peterson’s place as the Vikings’ cornerstone, there’s little doubt the Vikings will want him rehabbing rigorously at the team’s practice facility in Winter Park.

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There is still so much time before anything can be honestly judged in terms of a timetable, but as far as fantasy, id stay clear of taking Peterson in the draft until the last four rounds or so where you can get away with stashing him on your bench for the entire season or until he is ready.

UPDATE: Monday, Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

The season is obviously over for Adrian Peterson as the Minnesota Vikings officially put him on injured reserve and try to figure out where to go from here.

The Minnesota Vikings team website is reporting:

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RB Adrian Peterson was placed on the Reserve/Injured list, and rookie Caleb King was promoted from the practice squad to take his place on the roster.

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As a fantasy owner, I know it would be smart to avoid Peterson at all costs early in next season’s draft, but I could see investing a late round pick on the back. The hope would be that Peterson would be available at the end of the regular season for the Vikings which means fantasy playoffs for you.

What They're Saying

Josina Anderson first reported the extent of the injuries to Peterson’s knee:

ESPN Personality Jay Crawford points out that Peterson’s road will be hard, but there is hope:

A Vikings fan reached out to Wes Welker in hopes of giving advice to AP about his own knee injuries and return to prominence:

Fantasy Impact

With this serious of an injury taking place so late in the season, the likelihood that Peterson plays a whole season next year is impossible. If Peterson comes back at all next season, the Minnesota Vikings will ease him back into things and handcuff his fantasy value.

At most, he would be a late-round draft pick that you sit on the bench all season in hopes of a fantasy playoff return to action.

Who's the Backup?

While Toby Gerhart is a solid workhorse back up for Adrian Peterson, he has never proven he could carry the load. The Vikings need to bring someone in.

If the team wanted to invest in an option for the long-term to cut the carries for Peterson, they could try their hand at free-agent-to-be Peyton Hillis. Or Minnesota can just sign Cedric Benson and be mediocre again.

Devastation Scale (10 out of 10)

There is no more significant injury in the NFL than a tear of both the ACL and MCL in a running back’s knee. It can destroy a career. The hope is that because of Peterson’s strong body and work ethic, he will be able to make a full recovery and return to elite form at some point in his career.

Check back for more on the National Football League as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NFL Page to get your fill of all things football.

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