"Running back Adrian Peterson is making a push to return to the lineup as early as Sunday against the Denver Broncos, which could be a great thing for the Vikings - assuming the team's most valuable asset protects himself.

Peterson, who missed Sunday's 24-14 loss to Atlanta with a high ankle sprain, is jogging on the ankle and planned to apply more pressure with light cutting and planting Thursday afternoon. He could see light action today.

The soreness is subsiding, Peterson said, and he's "getting more movement."

"I'm trying to get back as soon as possible," he said. "It's all about making sure I can perform at the level I'm used to."

The Vikings don't want to risk further damage to Peterson's ankle by bringing him back too soon. Peterson doesn't want that either, but he doesn't expect long-term problems even if he reinjures himself. He's had several ankle sprains that have healed without problem.

In September, Peterson signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension.

"Long term, you think about that," Peterson said. "But I'm not going to do anything to hurt myself."

The injury is milder, Peterson said, than a Grade 3 high ankle sprain he suffered as a sophomore at Oklahoma.

Going on injured reserve is not a consideration, Peterson said. "