“Little Belief” Adrian Peterson Will Play This Year, Suspension Could Roll Over Into 2015

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that even in the event that Adrian Peterson wins his appeal case, “there’s little belief he will play this year.”

• Mortensen adds that if Peterson’s six-game suspension stands, under standard protocol, the remaining three games would roll over into 2015 unless a settlement is reached.

This is certainly interesting news given that there has been some optimism that Peterson could play again this season. However, the key to him returning to the field is likely for his reps to reach a settlement agreement with the NFL.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reported last night that a settlement between the NFL and Peterson remains a possibility.

Peterson’s hearing ended on Thursday and Harold Henderson said that a ruling could come “as soon as practicable.” The expectation is that Henderson will make a decision in the next week.

Henderson has reportedly urged both parties to discuss a settlement in the time being, but Tom Pelissero of USA TODAY reported Friday night that the NFL had yet to extend Peterson’s camp a formal offer.

Henderson is expected to monitor any settlement talks before handing down a ruling.

We’ll have more updates as the news is available.