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Adrian Peterson News & Rumors

Peterson considered changing number
February 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings running back Adrian Peterson kind of tweets like he runs: Aggressively and with a lot of exclamation points. On Friday, Peterson floated the idea of changing his uniform number from 28 to either 23 or 21. He did this via his Twitter account, @Adrian Peterson. Today, Peterson has been tweeting with the zest of an powerful All-Pro running back looking for a little defensive back to run over. Tweeted Peterson: "So here is the deal with the number change! So I received a call and I was informed that I would've to buy all jerseys that's been produced ... Thus far! N the total amount that I would have to pay blew my mind!!!!!" Peterson says someone, whom he didn't name, told him it would"
After surgery, Adrian Peterson still making moves
January 14
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Yes, Adrian Peterson has watched the replay footage of that fateful and seemingly routine third-quarter run from Christmas Eve in Maryland. Just thinking about it causes the Vikings running back to recoil and cringe as if he has just downed a glass of curdled milk. Everyone knows how that sequence turned out, Peterson planting at the wrong instant with Redskins safety DeJon Gomes arriving at the same moment and delivering a hit that turned Peterson's left leg into a pipe cleaner. Just like that, Peterson tore his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments. "My stomach crawls just looking at it," Peterson said. "Your leg is not supposed to go that way. At all." Yet aside from that"
Adrian Peterson vows to return from knee injury 'better than before' - and in time for the 2012 opener
January 14
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings running back Adrian Peterson doesn't think he'll be the same player once he makes a full recovery from reconstructive knee surgery. Not for the reasons you might think. "I feel like I'm going to come back better than before," Peterson said Friday in his first interview since tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament on Dec. 24 against the Redskins. "I know people might laugh at that or think otherwise, but you know what? It doesn't matter what they think or how they feel about it. The only thing that matters is how I feel about it and what I believe." To return as the NFL's top running back in time for the 2012 season opener, Peterson said he's"
Adrian Peterson's knee surgery scheduled for Friday with Dr. James Andrews
December 30
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will undergo surgery today in Alabama to repair the torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee, coach Leslie Frazier said. The surgery comes six days after Washington Redskins safety DeJon Gomes blindsided Peterson with a hit in the third quarter of Saturday's 33-26 Vikings win. Renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala., will perform the procedure. Vikings trainer Eric Sugarman on Monday said Peterson would undergo surgery in seven to 10 days once the swelling subsided and Peterson recovered his range of motion. Frazier said "in this case, everything was in place to have the surgery." "He's anxious to get his"
Peterson to undergo knee surgery today
December 30
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Add Vikings running back Adrian Peterson to the list of elite athletes who have asked Dr. James Andrews to put them back together. Andrews, considered the foremost orthopedic surgeon when it comes to rebuilding elbows, shoulders and knees, will operate on Peterson's left knee Friday at the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedics Center at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Birmingham, Ala. Peterson, who tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in Saturday's victory at Washington, will return to Minnesota on Monday. Coach Leslie Frazier said he and Peterson will discuss how much of the rehabilitation is done in Minnesota and how much is done at Peterson's home near Houston."
Vikings optimistic Adrian Peterson will be back for 2012 opener
December 27
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Vikings are not wavering in their support of Adrian Peterson and are optimistic the star running back can return for the 2012 season opener that is less than nine months away. With Peterson still considered the franchise's cornerstone despite tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday's 33-26 win over Washington - prompting an entire offseason of rigorous rehabilitation and fortitude - the Vikings don't plan to change their game plan in his absence or after he returns. Coach Leslie Frazier said Peterson is determined to return "as good or better" than the original version. A hit by Redskins safety DeJon Gomes in the third quarter also tore Peterson's medial collateral ligament"
Torn ACL not necessarily a kiss of death for Vikings running back Adrian Peterson
December 26
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The threat is real that Adrian Peterson might never be the same after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Saturday against Washington, deepening the intrigue of a Vikings offseason already rife with tough questions about the direction of the franchise. But there is enough evidence of post-surgery success among past running backs to encourage Peterson and the Vikings. Both parties will have to be patient. Peterson, known for his relentless nature that will serve him well through the rehabilitation process, might spend part of 2012 trying to rediscover his explosiveness and confidence. Depending on the speed of his rehabilitation - full recovery can take at least eight"
Peterson facing long recovery
December 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"He seemed lost, in a daze like never before. Balancing on crutches in the visitor's locker room of FedEx Field on Saturday evening, Adrian Peterson didn't really know what to say. He had yet to undergo the MRI that would later reveal major ligament damage in his left knee, an ACL tear with MCL problems also likely. But it was clear from Peterson's blank expression that he had seen his future flash before his eyes. He seemed depressed. Confused. A little scared even. Before even saying a word, Peterson stared into the carpet and let his lips rumble with exasperation. No one in the Vikings' locker room would say it. But the vibe was apparent, that one monstrous unanswerable question hovering"
Peterson's torn ACL overshadows Vikings' victory over Washington
December 25
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"In many ways, Christmas 2011 for the Vikings should have been defined by an inspiring slogan, an 11-word adage delivered by Joe Webb from the postgame podium at FedEx Field. "Stay prepared," Webb said. "And when your opportunity comes, take advantage of it." In a perfect world, Webb's words would have been the neat way for the Vikings to package their 33-26 victory over the Washington Redskins, as the backup quarterback sparked a second-half eruption with three touchdowns. Yet Webb was only a small part of the story. The far more significant scene from an otherwise pleasant Christmas Eve came on the first play after halftime. That's when Adrian Peterson took a handoff from Christian Ponder"
Peterson 'feeling like 200-plus yards' against Redskins
December 23
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"With his left ankle close to 100 percent, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is eyeing the type of big-yardage performance that has become his trademark since entering the NFL in 2007. Peterson has seven career games with at least 150 yards rushing, including a 175-yarder against Green Bay on Oct. 23. Since then, he has 220 rushing yards in fewer than four full games and sat three full games with the ankle sprain. "I'm always feeling like 200-plus," Peterson said Thursday. "I might end up with 30, but I'm always feeling antsy and ready to roll." Peterson, who finished with 60 yards on 10 carries in his return Sunday against New Orleans, no longer is listed on the injury report and plans"
Adrian Peterson is hungry for work
December 23
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"As the Vikings head into Saturday's game against the Redskins, here are four questions we're trying to answer: 1. Is Adrian Peterson due for a breakout performance? Remember in Week 7 when Peterson trampled Green Bay for 175 yards on 24 carries, then followed the next week with 159 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in Carolina? It's been an awful long time since we've seen that Peterson, A.D. at his best. Chew on these numbers: Since the season's midway point, because of a high ankle sprain and a pair of lopsided losses, Peterson has touched the ball only 30 times in the Vikings' past six games, totaling 137 yards. So yes, he has grown a little antsy of late. "I'm always feeling"
Peterson is latest opponent to call out Saints for dirty play
December 19
NFL.com
 
"When Adrian Peterson returned to action Sunday after a three-game absence, he expected his high left ankle sprain would be a target for over-eager defenders looking for an edge. There's a line to that in-the-trenches type of gamesmanship, however, and the Vikings' all-world running back said the Saints crossed it. Peterson singled out cornerback Jabari Greer, whom he said twisted his ankle in the scrum following a second-quarter run during New Orleans' 42-20 victory. "I came into the game kind of expecting that coming back from a high ankle sprain," Peterson said, according to The Times-Picayune. "Guys are going to try to take their shots when we're on the pile and try to twist it up and"
Adrian Peterson good to go for Sunday
December 17
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Vikings are spiraling downward in the standings, but they are shedding names from the injury list. Coach Leslie Frazier said Friday that Adrian Peterson will play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at the Metrodome after the star running back missed three games because of a high ankle sprain. Peterson and quarterback Christian Ponder (hip) fully participated in practice along with wide receiver Greg Camarillo (concussion), linebacker E.J. Henderson (shoulder) and safety Jarrad Page (hip), all of whom had been limited during the week. "He was fine," Frazier said of Peterson, who was injured Nov. 21 against Oakland. "He went through everything today we wanted to see based on work we"
Peterson will play for pride, Fantasy
December 16
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings running back Adrian Peterson said he will play against the Saints on Sunday. As for why he'd actually want to play for a 2-11 team on a left ankle that he says is "85 percent," well, he has his reasons. He said he loves the game. He said he wants to help his teammates. He said he has some personal statistical goals he wants to achieve, such as the 128 yards rushing he needs for a fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season and the 165 yards he needs to break Robert Smith's career franchise record. But that's not the only reason Peterson wants to come back after missing the past three games because of a high left ankle sprain. "It's very important, especially for my fantasy team owners,""
Peterson moving well; Camarillo is practicing
December 15
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The way running back Adrian Peterson was moving during the portion of practice open to the media, it certainly looks like he'll be ready to play on Sunday. Meanwhile, receiver Greg Camarillo returned to practice after missing Wednesday's practice because of a concussion. That means he's passed the league-mandated third-party concussion exam."
Ponder will start, Peterson inactive
December 11
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder will start today at Detroit, while running back Adrian Peterson will be inactive for the third consecutive game because of his left ankle sprain. Ponder practiced only on Friday this week after suffering a hip pointer in last week's loss to the Broncos."
Vikings without Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder?
December 9
Yahoo! Sports
 
"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.""
Peterson, Ponder uncertain to play because of injuries
December 9
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson was back at practice Thursday. Christian Ponder was not. Where that leaves the Vikings offense heading into Sunday's game in Detroit is anybody's guess. Both players could be ready for action. Equally possible: Neither Peterson nor Ponder plays against the Lions. In that regard, Friday's practice will now be a major measuring stick for coach Leslie Frazier as he weighs his options with both players. Peterson has been out because of a high ankle sprain since the first quarter of the Vikings' Week 11 loss to the Raiders. Thursday marked his first practice since suffering the injury. And Frazier sensed the star running back feeling more comfortable with his cutting. "He's"
Peterson, Ponder uncertain to play because of injuries
December 9
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson was back at practice Thursday. Christian Ponder was not. Where that leaves the Vikings offense heading into Sunday's game in Detroit is anybody's guess. Both players could be ready for action. Equally possible: Neither Peterson nor Ponder plays against the Lions. In that regard, Friday's practice will now be a major measuring stick for coach Leslie Frazier as he weighs his options with both players. Peterson has been out because of a high ankle sprain since the first quarter of the Vikings' Week 11 loss to the Raiders. Thursday marked his first practice since suffering the injury. And Frazier sensed the star running back feeling more comfortable with his cutting. "He's"
Adrian Peterson says he's about 70 percent, wants to play Sunday
December 7
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Will Adrian Peterson be back on the field Sunday when the 2-10 Vikings play in Detroit? Should he be? Depends on who you ask. Peterson joined Dan Barreiro and special guest Chuck Foreman on Tuesday evening at the Mall of America for a fascinating meeting of the minds that was broadcast on KFAN. The full interview, available here, had two Viking greats -- past and present -- discussing the art of running the football. But when it came to Peterson's injury status, let's just say that Foreman and Peterson don't see eye to eye on how to handle things. Asked if he would play Sunday, Peterson acknowledged his eagerness to get back into action as soon as possible even with the high ankle sprain"
Adrian Peterson could miss another week
December 4
Pro Football Talk
 
"As the Vikings try to avoid their first ever 2-14 season, they could be without running back Adrian Peterson for at least one more game beyond Week 13. Per a league source, the high ankle sprain suffered by Peterson could keep him on the sidelines for next Sunday's game against the Lions. Peterson suffered the injury on November 20 against the Raiders. It looked much worse than it ended up being, but it has been bad enough to keep him on the sidelines for two weeks and counting."
Adrian Peterson out, Percy Harvin questionable for Vikings' game against Broncos
December 3
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"At 2-9 and fading fast, the Vikings can afford to rest some key players - such as running back Adrian Peterson, who will miss his second consecutive start Sunday because of a high ankle sprain. But for the sake of rookie quarterback Christian Ponder's confidence and development, the Vikings simply can't afford to lose wide receiver Percy Harvin, who is questionable after missing Friday's practice with an illness. Coach Leslie Frazier said Harvin is expected to play Sunday against Denver, but if he can't, Ponder would be throwing to a wide receiver corps with a combined 13 catches on the year. Current No. 2 Devin Aromashodu has nine catches for 213 yards, followed by Greg Camarillo with"
Vikings RB Peterson out vs. Broncos; Harvin questionable
December 2
NFL.com
 
"So much for Adrian Peterson's claim that he'd be a game-time decision for this weekend's tilt against the Denver Broncos. Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier put an early end to all the drama Friday when he announced that Peterson would miss his second straight game with a high ankle sprain. Peterson suffered the injury during the Vikings' Week 11 loss to the Oakland Raiders and has not practiced in the two weeks since the injury. Frazier told reporters Peterson has improved, although his cutting on the ankle is still an issue."
Adrian Peterson wants to get back to the Vikings 'as soon as possible'
December 2
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"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 willing to play if effective
December 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Vikings will make a game-time decision on whether star running back Adrian Peterson will play Sunday against Denver. Peterson, who missed the Atlanta game last Sunday after suffering a high ankle sprain early in the 27-21 loss to Oakland on Nov. 20, said he will play hurt if he can. "I don't have to be 100 percent," Peterson said. "I've played several times when I wasn't 100 percent. If I feel like I can go and I can help the team and I can be productive, I'll go." Peterson has missed only five games because of injuries since being drafted by the Vikings in 2007, but it was a different story when he played college football at Oklahoma. "I was there three years," he said, "and I"
Peterson, Henderson both say they hope to play despite their pains
December 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson said his high left ankle sprain doesn't have to be 100 percent for him to feel he should play against the Broncos on Sunday. "I've played several times when I wasn't 100 percent," the Vikings running back said Thursday. "If I feel I can go and I can help this team and I can be productive, I'm going." The final decision belongs to coach Leslie Frazier, who will make that determination based on what he sees in practice on Friday. Peterson, who missed last week's loss in Atlanta, has not practiced this week, although he was able to jog on Wednesday and was scheduled to do some cutting drills on Thursday. "It felt pretty good," Peterson said of Wednesday's jogging. "I was"
Vikings' Peterson keeps options open for Broncos tilt
December 1
NFL.com
 
"Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson sat out another practice Thursday with a high ankle sprain and told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that he expects to be a game-time decision for this weekend's tilt against Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. Peterson missed all three practices last week following a left ankle injury sustained in the Vikings' Week 11 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Peterson remained hopeful he could play last weekend against the Falcons, but the Vikings ruled him out the day before the game causing him to miss his first action since December 2010."
Adrian Peterson ruled out of Vikings' game at Atlanta
November 27
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Vikings downgraded running back Adrian Peterson from doubtful to out Saturday for today's game at Atlanta. Peterson was unable to regain his usual explosive running and cutting style after suffering a high ankle sprain in the first quarter of last week's 27-21 loss to Oakland. Trainers were not encouraged he could play based on the week's rehab work. Backup Toby Gerhart will get his first start of the season against the Falcons. At 2-8, the Vikings want to protect their most valuable asset in Peterson, who signed a seven-year, $100 million extension in the offseason."
Peterson officially out for Sunday's game
November 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson won't play against the Falcons on Sunday. His status on the injury report was changed from doubtful to out this morning before the team left for Atlanta. Peterson has a high ankle sprain suffered on his left leg against the Raiders last Sunday at the Metrodome. The Vikings also activated tight end Allen Reisner from the practice squad and waived receiver Stephen Burton to make room for Reisner."
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson 'very, very doubtful' for Falcons
November 26
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game at Atlanta because of a high ankle sprain, but apparently the injury report doesn't do Peterson's injury justice. Coach Leslie Frazier calls him "very, very doubtful." Despite Peterson telling coaches Thursday that he'll be ready to play, his limitations have become too obvious to ignore. "When he got up on his toes to plant or make a cut, that's where he had trouble," Frazier said about Peterson's work with the training staff Friday. "That being the case, it's doubtful he'll be able to get to the point where by Sunday he'd be able to get out there. But we'll see." Peterson appeared during the early portion of"
Peterson expects to play vs. Falcons
November 24
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who suffered a serious high ankle sprain during the Vikings' 27-21 loss to the Raiders, said Wednesday he expects to play against the Falcons on Sunday. Peterson, who was in a walking boot but not limping Wednesday, expects to practice by Friday and be ready to go Sunday. The final decision on whether Peterson will play will be made by coach Leslie Frazier, who didn't dispute what Peterson said. X-rays taken after the game and an MRI on Monday were encouraging, which means Peterson won't be out too long. He said he actually wanted to go back in the game on Sunday. "I just got my ankle caught up on a defender and it got twisted up pretty bad," Peterson"
Vikings face tough call when injured RB Adrian Peterson returns
November 22
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Vikings face a dilemma once running back Adrian Peterson returns from a high ankle sprain, a healing process that could take at least a few weeks. At 2-8, should the Vikings limit Peterson's carries - or even shut him down altogether - in an effort to protect a long-term asset with a seven-year, $100 million contract? Or do the Vikings have too much to prove, from the roster to the coaching staff, to sideline the game's best running back if he's available? Those questions will surface this week as the Vikings prepare for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Peterson, who has 1,384 carries since entering the league in 2007, will be 32 by the end of his new"
Peterson's sprain may be minor, but impact will be major
November 22
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson's final run Sunday proved to be vintage "All Day." Except that it resulted in a shortened afternoon. First came a dash to the hole, then a cyclone spin to avoid congestion on the left side of the line. Another burst of acceleration left Raiders linebacker Kamerion Wimbley holding nothing but Peterson's right shoe. Yet as the Vikings running back was yanked to the turf a second later, his left ankle rolled up under Oakland's Michael Huff. Just like that, an impressive 12-yard run morphed into a nightmare scenario for the Vikings. First, Peterson struggled just to limp back to the sideline. Soon after he was carted off Mall of America Field. On Monday afternoon, Peterson left"
Vikings' Peterson suffers high ankle sprain
November 21
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Adrian Peterson's status for the next few weeks is in jeopardy. An MRI this morning revealed the Minnesota Vikings running back suffered a Grade 1 high ankle sprain with "a little bit of ligament damage" against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, coach Leslie Frazier said at his press conference today. Peterson left the Raiders game late in the first quarter after getting his left foot stuck in the turf and turning over his ankle after Raiders safety Michael Huff attempted a tackle. Peterson will wear a protective boot for the next few days and could begin light football activity as early as Friday, Frazier said."
Adrian Peterson says sprained ankle won't keep him down
November 21
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Despite trainers driving him off the field on a cart Sunday, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has no plans to miss significant time because of his ankle injury. "That's not in my DNA," Peterson said after the Vikings lost 27-21 to Oakland. "I'm going to try to get back as fast as I can and God willing, I'll be up and ready to run this weekend." The scary image of Peterson limping off the field and heading to the training room caused a collective inhale from Vikings fans after the All-Pro running back twisted his left ankle on a 12-yard run with 57 seconds left in the first quarter. His ankle pulled backward as Raiders safety Michael Huff attempted a tackle. Peterson relieved that"
X-rays negative on Adrian Peterson's ankle
November 21
Pro Football Talk
 
"The bad news for the Vikings is that they continue to trail the Raiders by more than double digits. The good news is that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has no broken bones in his ankle. X-rays were negative, per a league source. And that's a positive for Peterson."
Vikings' Peterson injures ankle; Henderson out with hamstring
November 20
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson limped off the field late in the first quarter after hurting his left ankle on a 12-yard rush. His return to today's game against the Oakland Raiders at the Metrodome was deemed questionable. Peterson's left ankle was hurt when Oakland safety Michael Huff was trying to tackle him. Trainers helped Peterson off the field, and minutes later he was carted off the field. Backup Toby Gerhart replaces Peterson, who entered the game 191 yards shy of Robert Smith's franchise rushing record. Peterson has six carries for 26 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown."
Trading Peterson isn't a far-fetched notion
November 20
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Warning: What you're about to read could cause incessant laughter and eye-rolling so severe you might be mistaken at Thanksgiving for Michele Bachmann. Before proceeding, please grab a chair. OK. Here goes. The Vikings need to trade Adrian Peterson. Soon. While he still has premium value. To be clear, this is not my suggestion. I, too, have experienced laughter pains and headaches of disbelief just hearing those words. So why does that recommendation keep surfacing from a horde of disgruntled but oh-so-serious Vikings fans? The proponents of the "Pitch Peterson" campaign insist they're not shouting without thinking. Some express sympathy for Peterson. Why let one of the game's all-time"
Peterson closes on record
November 18
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"On a conference call with Oakland reporters this week, Vikings coach Leslie Frazier delivered his latest endorsement of Adrian Peterson as the best running back in the NFL. Frazier continues to gush about Peterson's well-rounded skill set, his ability to be both a finesse runner and a power runner. "I mean there are times defenders really don't want to tackle Adrian Peterson," Frazier said. "They'll hope someone else gets in the way before they get to him. He strikes fear in opposing defenders in the way he runs." This week, Peterson gets a chance to attack a Raiders defense that ranks 25th against the run. And if he hasn't already proven, as Frazier asserts, that he's the best back in the"
In Peterson, Raiders face arguably the NFL's best running back
November 17
Sacramento Bee
 columnist Jason Jones
"There might be disagreement from Arian Foster supporters in Houston and LeSean McCoy fans in Philadelphia. Buffalo's Fred Jackson, Chicago's Matt Forte or Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew would also want to stake their claim to the title. But is there really any doubt Minnesota's Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL? You won't get much argument from the Raiders as they prepare to face Peterson and the Vikings on Sunday in Minneapolis."
Raiders' goal Sunday: Don't let Vikings' Adrian Peterson run wild
November 17
Oakland Tribune
 
"A play Kamerion Wimbley would rather forget was cued up at a recent Raiders defensive meeting. It was tape of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson breaking off a 64-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of a 34-20 win over Wimbley's Cleveland Browns in the 2009 season opener. "He just threw a couple of defensive backs aside," Wimbley said. "It was a phenomenal run." Peterson, the NFL's fifth-leading rusher with 846 yards this season, plays against the Raiders for the first time Sunday at Mall of America Field. The last time the Raiders played the Vikings in the regular season, in November 2007, Peterson was sidelined with a knee injury. "I'm pretty pumped up to play against"
Adrian Peterson becoming a throw-to guy
November 12
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Vikings running back Adrian Peterson laughed Friday at Winter Park when asked if his five-catch, 76-yard receiving performance against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 30 was a fluke. "I think I'll be more involved," Peterson said about his anticipated involvement in the Vikings' passing attack. "If I am open, I am sure (quarterback Christian Ponder) will find me. And once he goes through his reads, I will be that guy he can come to in need." The 76 yards receiving is a career high for Peterson. Only once has the all-pro caught more than five passes in a game. Peterson is averaging two receptions per game, 25th among running backs through nine weeks of the season. He trails NFL rushing leader"
Adrian Peterson has a career day as receiver in Vikings' win
October 31
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Adrian Peterson has had plenty of career rushing performances, but Sunday included a different superlative. Peterson's 76 receiving yards were a career high as the Vikings deployed their explosive running back in more innovative ways during their 24-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He caught five passes, including a 19-yard touchdown from Christian Ponder, as Peterson gashed Carolina for 162 combined yards and a pair of scores. "They kept dropping deep and leaving him open, and we kept taking it," Ponder said. "I will take that all day.""
Running room lacking for Adrian Peterson
October 21
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson didn't like anything he saw during the Vikings' 39-10 meltdown in Chicago last Sunday. It wasn't just the dropped passes, missed blitz pickups and costly penalties. What frustrated Peterson just as much was how many Bears defenders he saw crowding the line of scrimmage every time the Vikings broke their huddle. "They had nine, 10 men in the box -- from the first quarter through the fourth quarter," Peterson said. "What we have to do differently is be more productive in the passing [game] to be able to keep the defense off-balance and make them stay honest." Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Donovan McNabb. And while Peterson later took the politically correct route"
Vikings' Adrian Peterson ticketed for not wearing seat belt
October 18
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Eden Prairie police ticketed Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson on Monday for not wearing his seat belt while driving a white Land Rover, Eden Prairie Police Department spokesman Katie Beal said today. Peterson was one of more than 30 drivers stopped in the area during a four-hour statewide "Click It or Ticket" push. Officers spotted Peterson at 3:03 p.m. at the corner of Prairie Center Drive and Columbine Road and issued him a $25 citation that can cost up to $100 after administrative fees. Officers did not pull over Peterson for any other reason, Beal said."
Peterson compared to NFL's greatest
October 12
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Mark Craig
"Paul Wiggin went up to Adrian Peterson on Monday morning, shook his hand, congratulated him on Sunday's performance and compared him to the man he still considers the greatest running back in NFL history. "I was a rookie with Jim Brown in Cleveland in 1957, so I played every game Jim played in," said Wiggin, a Vikings personnel consultant. "And I've seen every game that Adrian has played for the Vikings. Adrian is the closest I've seen to having the same running style Jim had. They're very much alike in intensity. Great is an overused word, but Sunday was a great game by Adrian." Then there's Vikings coach Leslie Frazier. He also shook Peterson's hand, congratulated him and compared"
Adrian Peterson's words and actions wow his Vikings teammates and coaches
October 10
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Adrian Peterson staggered the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter Sunday with a series of punishing runs and emotionally draining scores, and then the Vikings' superstar running back buried the Cardinals with a clock-killing possession in the fourth quarter that expedited Minnesota's 34-10 victory at the Metrodome. "He was at his best today. He played a terrific game," coach Leslie Frazier raved afterward. Fulfilling his promise to lead the Vikings out of their winless fog through words and deeds, Peterson ran for a season-high 122 yards and three first-quarter touchdowns, which allowed them to finish an opponent instead of scrambling to recover from a second-half collapse."
Peterson says O-line put him in good spot
October 10
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Adrian Peterson, who scored three first-quarter touchdowns and finished with 122 yards on 29 carries in the Vikings' 34-10 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday, said he knew he needed to have a big day because his team needed a victory after starting the season 0-4. "The guys played for four quarters, man," Peterson said. "Guys were really hungry today. We played a good Arizona football team." Peterson sang the praises of the offensive line after he set a season high for carries in a game. It was his most carries since he had 30 against the Packers on Nov. 9, 2008. "They all did a great job of establishing the line up front, putting me in some good positions to make some plays," he said."
Peterson gets loud in Vikings' first victory
October 10
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Less than 7 minutes remained Sunday at Mall of America Field, and this time the Vikings were in little danger of blowing their big halftime lead, cruising toward a 34-10 drubbing of the Arizona Cardinals. Still, coach Leslie Frazier wasn't going to stand for his team easing off the gas after a month of frustrating finishes. So as the Vikings prepared to take over on their last meaningful possession, ahead by three touchdowns but not yet content, Frazier began gathering his offensive line to deliver a lecture on staying focused. Only this time, he was quickly interrupted. By an energetic leader wearing number 28. Adrian Peterson raised his hand. "Coach, I've got it," Peterson said. "Let me"