Adrian Peterson Believes He Can Return From Knee Surgery In 8 Weeks

Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports that Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has told people in and around the organization that he believes he can be ready in eight weeks when he’s eligible to be activated off of the injured reserve list.

Even so, Pelissero writes that this timeline is likely optimistic, and there still is at least some doubt whether he’ll be able to return at all this season from the knee surgery he underwent earlier in the week.

According to Pelissero, doctors will need at least a month before they have a good idea of whether an early return is possible for Pederson.

Had Peterson elected to trim his meniscus, he could have returned in two or three weeks. However, Peterson made the decision to repair his lateral meniscus, which leaves him with a three- to six-month timetable.

Pelissero writes that Peterson went with the repair procedure because he believes he has several more productive seasons in him and was concerned about issues that could pop up down the line.

The Vikings would have to wait until Week 11 to bring him back.

Peterson, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Vikings back in 2007. He’s currently in the second year of his three-year, $44 million contract that included $20 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $7.75 million for the 2016 season.

This season, Peterson has rushed for 50 yards on 31 carries (1.6 YPC) to go along with two receptions for seven yards receiving and no touchdowns.

We’ll have more regarding Peterson as the news the news is available.