Minnesota Vikings cautious over return date for star RB Adrian Peterson - NFL News
Minnesota Vikings star running back, Adrian Peterson is still rehabilitating from a knee injury he suffered on December 24th, in a game against the Washington Redskins.
Peterson tore both his medial collateral ligaments and anterior cruciate ligaments during the game and underwent surgery soon after.
His rehab though is progressing much faster than expected as the running back continues to improve.
Peterson took part in the Vikings practice camp as he ran sprints with his teammates and like always ended up in first position even though he is far off from being 100% fit.
Speaking to The Star Tribune on Tuesday, Vikings head athletic trainer, Eric Sugarman was impressed with the fast paced recovery of Peterson but refused to confirm whether he will be able to play the Vikings first game next season against the Jacksonville
Jaguars.
"I love Adrian but let's make this clear: I'm still not going to be quoted as saying he's going to play in the first game. That's not fair. I don't know that."
The running back is one of the best players in the line-up and he is the player fans look to deliver the Vikings with wins in games as his explosive pace on the field makes him a handful for the marking defensemen.
Peterson in previous interviews has repeatedly said that the first game of the 2012-13 season is his target to make his full return to the pitch and he will do everything to make sure.
However, the Vikings are likely to be a bit more cautious with the recovery of their star player.
Sugarman went on to add.
"He'll keep throwing that out there. And good for him. That's great. That's obviously our goal, to get him playing the first game. But only if he's functionally safe to do it. This is our franchise. We can't be foolish about this."
Last season even though his performance was marred by repeated injuries the running back was easily the best Minnesota player on the field.
Peterson rushed for 970-yards off 208 attempts and scored 12 touchdowns, the third highest number of touchdowns scored by a running back in the entire season.
However, even after his heroic efforts the Vikings ended up with a poor 3-13 record.
Hopefully Peterson will have an injury free season in 2012-13 and help Minnesota become a relevant franchise once again.
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