Vikings' RB Adrian Peterson returns to practice, Christian Ponder still doubtful - NFL News
Minnesota Vikings got some good news Thursday on the injury front as star running back Adrian Peterson returned to training after a two-week layoff.
Peterson was the only bright light in the Vikings season this year with the team managing to win just twice as they remain bottom of National Football Conference North Division. The running back suffered the injury during Vikings
21-27 week-11 loss to Oakland Raiders. He left the field due to a sprained left ankle.
The 26-year old has now recovered enough to take part in light training and the Vikings are looking to play him Sunday against division rivals Detroit Lions
"It was really encouraging to see some of the things he was able to do," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said. "He's headed in the right direction, far more improved than he was a week ago."
Peterson’s teammates are also looking forward to his returning to the field.
"He's the ultimate competitor. He definitely wants to be in there. But when the time's right he'll be back," right tackle Phil Loadholt said.
Peterson has covered 872 rushing yards this season scoring eleven touchdowns. The running back has also completed 125 receiving yards becoming the only Vikings player to consistently perform each week.
Minnesota Vikings however, need not worry much if their veteran running back is not fully fit for the game on Sunday against Detroit Lions since they are out of the running for postseason and the health of Peterson should be their
primary focus for now.
Vikings also posted their best ever-yard-gain this season gaining 489 yards without Peterson in the 32-35 loss to Denver Broncos in the week 13 encounter of the National Football League.
The return of Peterson is tempered by the fact that Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder is doubtful for Sunday with a finger injury. Ponder, who did not take part in practice on Thursday, will be assessed during the weekend
to see if he is ready for the road trip to Ford Field in Detroit.
Coach Leslie Frazier is optimistic that the quarterback will play on Sunday, but will likely play it safe and leave Ponder out of the squad if he fails to practise the whole weekend.
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