"The Minnesota Vikings take on the Detroit Lions Sunday and it is looking like it might do so without the services of running back Adrian Peterson (again) and quarterback Christian Ponder, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Peterson took part in practice Thursday after missing the last two games with a high ankle sprain, the paper notes. Ponder did not take part as he is still recovering from a hip pointer he suffered in last Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos.

Peterson is "headed in the right direction," coach Leslie Frazier said, according to the Strib. "Far more improved than he was a week ago. So we're encouraged by his work.""