Vikings

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson Close to Coming off PUP List

August 2, 2012

Update — 8/2/12:
Judd Zulgad of ESPN 1500 has reported via twitter that Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier claims RB Adrian Peterson is closer to being moved off the Physically Unable to Perform list, but is “still not quite ready to put him out there”.

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Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com is reporting that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is close to returning to practice.

During Saturday’s practice, Peterson and athletic trainer Eric Sugarman worked out together, with Sugerman acting as the quarterback and Peterson taking handoffs and catching passes out of the backfield. Peterson spent time earlier in the offseason working out with Buffalo Bills quarterback Vince Young in Houston, where he did a good chunk of his rehabilitation work.

“That’s what we’re trying to get done,” coach Leslie Frazier said, “just to simulate somewhat some of the things he would do in drill work to see how he responds and one of the keys is what happens the day after. We’ll keep monitoring, keep adding a little bit more and see how he responds and make a decision at some point.”

“I was able to get a little competition out of that, doing that with those guys,” Peterson said. “But it’s different when you’re doing it every day. You definitely get more work.”

Peterson tore the anterior cruciate (ACL) and medial collateral ligaments (MCL) in his left knee at Washington and had surgery. He pushed to practice when training camp opened on Friday, but the Vikings instead placed him on the active/physically unable to perform list.

Frazier said there is a plan to increase Peterson’s workload, but wouldn’t say when activating Peterson will take place. Peterson has said his goal is to play in the Sept. 9 opener against Jacksonville, but the Vikings would prefer to see him get some work in during the preseason.

Says Frazier, “Ideally, you’d like to see him get some carries at some point in the preseason just for his benefit, where he can gain some confidence and get a feel for where he is and where he needs to be by the first game of the season.”