NFL Notes: Adrian Peterson, Buccaneers, Eagles, & Ravens

Adrian Peterson

Here are some notes from Adrian Peterson‘s press conference following his return to the Vikings on Tuesday.

• Vikings HC Mike Zimmer said of Peterson joining OTAs on Tuesday: “We welcome him with open arms, unequivocally.”
• Zimmer added that he is proud of how he handled last year’s situation.
• According to Zimmer, Peterson “volunteered” to show up for offseason workouts.
• Peterson and Zimmer spoke last week following the head coaches comments about him playing for the Vikings or no one else.
• Vikings’ ownership never wavered in regards to supporting Peterson, according to Zimmer.
• In regards to the Vikings having conversations about trading Peterson, Zimmer said that they never even discussed the idea.
• Zimmer confirmed that there were no contractual concessions made upon Peterson returning to the team.

Peterson on all that he’s been through in the pat year: “This past year has been emotional for both parties. I’ve learned a lot from my mistakes. And I’m moving forward.”

• Peterson said he had a personal obligation last week that prevented him from being with the team, adding: “I just wanted to (come back). What it came down to was getting back in the building”
• According to Peterson, the first person he apologized to was his son.
• Peterson stressed that he isn’t the victim in this situation and he never tried to play that role.
• Peterson admitted that he “really didn’t know what I wanted” with everything that was going on in the past few months.
• Peterson said he’s “happy with where I’m at, here with the Minnesota Vikings.“

Buccaneers

• The Buccaneers told reporters on Tuesday that WR Mike Evans returned to OTA practice after he tweaked his hamstring last week. (Greg Auman)

Eagles

Eagles DL Fletcher Cox said that the trade rumors surrounding him this offseason didn’t bother him.

“It would have been a distraction if I was to let that bother me or put me one step behind,” Cox said, via the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I’m not trying to take on step backwards, I want to take one step forward every day. My job here is to play football and that’s the most important thing to me.”

Ravens

• Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that Ravens WR Aldrick Robinson suffered a knee injury during OTAs.
• According to Wilson, the initial prognosis for Robinson is a sprained knee, but more tests will be conducted to determine severity.