Adrian Peterson reportedly hoping to make December return to the Vikings
The former NFL MVP might actually play again this season
By
John Breech
•
1 min read
The NFL's worst rushing offense could be getting a giant spark next month. According to ESPN.com, Adrian Peterson is hoping to return to the Vikings in mid-to-late December.
The former NFL MVP hasn't played since Week 2 when he tore his meniscus in a 17-14 win over the Packers. After Peterson decided to undergo surgery on his right knee, the Vikings placed him on injured reserve. Under IR rules, the running back has been eligible to return since Week 11.
Without Peterson in the lineup, the Vikings have struggled with their ground game.
Actually, that's being kind: Without Peterson, Minnesota's rushing offense has been historically bad. The team is averaging just 2.7 yards per carry on the ground this year, which would be the worst average in 63 years if they don't improve over their final six games.
The Vikings are averaging just 70 yards per game on the ground, which ranks last in the NFL by more than five yards. Things are so bad that the Bills, Cowboys and Titans are all averaging more than double what the Vikings average.
As for Peterson, he's hoping to start running this week, which would potentially pave the way for a return on either Dec. 18 (against the Colts) or Dec. 24 (at the Packers).
Although it was originally thought that Peterson might not play again this season, some of his teammates, like Captain Munnerlyn, aren't surprised to hear he might come back.
"He's a workaholic," Munnerlyn said Monday, via ESPN. "I definitely wouldn't put anything past this guy. He's a fast healer. His makeup is definitely a fighter. We'll see. I think [he'll be back], but at the same time, you never know. That's a tough injury to come back from."
If the 6-4 Vikings stay in the playoff hunt, Munnerlyn thinks Peterson's will return will go from a "maybe" to a "definitely."
"One thing is on his mind: He wants to win that Super Bowl. So he feels like if he can come back and definitely contribute to us winning, he definitely will do it," Munnerlyn said.
If the Vikings can beat the Lions on Thursday, that will almost guarantee that they'll be in the playoff hunt come mid-December. A win over Detroit would give Minnesota sole possession of first place in the NFC North with just five game remaining.
