No Guarantee Adrian Peterson Returns This Season

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reports that while Vikings RB Adrian Peterson continues to work hard in an effort to return this season, it’s unclear whether he’ll make it back this season.

Florio points out that even if Peterson is able to return later on in the year, the Vikings have been sliding out of playoff contention and the possibility exists that they may have nothing to play for once Peterson is able to play.

Another consideration could be whether it’s even worth for Peterson to play this year, considering that he could jeopardize his future earnings by playing in potentially meaningless games when he’ll be entering the final year of his contract in 2017.

Last week, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Peterson has yet to be cleared to run but remains on track to return this year.

Rapoport’s sources mentioned that Peterson’s desire to return before the end of the season is still “realistic.” Although, no one knows for sure when he’ll be back.  — his return is based on several factors — but there have been no complications to his ongoing recovery.

Peterson ultimately decided to repair his lateral meniscus, which left him with a three- to six-month timetable. Had he trimmed his meniscus, he could have returned in two or three weeks.

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.