Adrian Peterson is planning to return at some point during the 2016 season, as long as the Minnesota Vikings remain in contention in the NFC.
While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Peterson said he has felt good while running and cutting and is planning to be available sooner rather than later. If the Vikings are eliminated from playoff contention, however, he will not be back.
Adrian Peterson just spoke in #Vikings locker room. Asked if he'll return in 2016, the running back said, "That's something I envision."
— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) December 7, 2016
Peterson said he feels good and can make all the cuts, but said it's a little different on practice field than in game situation. #Vikings
— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) December 7, 2016
Peterson added he would not return if #Vikings are eliminated from the playoff race. Says he'll play it by ear.
— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) December 7, 2016
The Vikings are 6-6 and two games behind the Detroit Lions for the lead in the NFC North. They are currently the No. 8 seed in the NFC, meaning they would be on the outside looking in if the playoffs started today.
Minnesota can’t really be eliminated from playoff contention in the next week or two, so Peterson must not be planning to come back before then. You can understand why he wouldn’t want to risk injuring his knee further if the postseason is not within reach.
Peterson has been out since he suffered an MCL injury in Week 2 (video here), and there have been rumblings that he could return to the team in December.
