NFL Reinstates Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

The NFL announced that they have reinstated Vikings RB Adrian Peterson from the commissioner’s exempt list.

Here’s the release from the NFL:

Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings was advised today that effective tomorrow he is reinstated as an active NFL player and may participate in all scheduled activities with the Vikings.

In a letter from Commissioner Roger Goodell, Peterson was informed that he is expected to fulfill his remaining obligations to the authorities in Minnesota and Texas, as well as the additional commitments Peterson made during his April 7 meeting with the commissioner regarding maintaining an ongoing program of counseling and treatment as recommended by medical advisors.

Beyond the requirement to comply with his court obligations and plan of counseling, Peterson was reminded that his continuing participation in the NFL depends on his avoidance of any further conduct that violates the Personal Conduct Policy or other NFL policies. Any further violation of the Personal Conduct Policy by Peterson would result in additional discipline, which could include suspension without pay or banishment from the NFL.

Peterson was suspended without pay last November 18 for the remainder of the 2014 NFL season for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy in an incident of abusive discipline that he inflicted on his four-year-old son last May. Peterson pled no contest on November 4 in state court in Montgomery County, Texas to reckless assault of the child.

This shouldn’t come as a major surprise, seeing as recent reports indicated that Peterson was likely to be reinstated in the coming days. On top of that, the expectation is that Peterson will not receive a suspension from the league.

However, Ian Rapoport reports that Peterson could be docked up to three game checks.

Trade rumors have persisted throughout the offseason, even though the Vikings have said that they have no intention of making him available for trade.

Peterson, 29, still has another three years remaining on his seven-year, $96 million contract that included $36 million guaranteed. Over the next three years, Peterson stands to make base salaries of $12.75 million (2015), $14.75 million (2016), and $16.75 million (2017).

As for his cap figures, the Vikings are looking at $15.4 million (2015), $15 million (2016), and $17 million (2017).

Peterson appeared in just one game for the Vikings and ran for 75 yards on 21 carries (3.6 YPC) while adding two receptions for 18 yards receiving and no touchdowns.