EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Adrian Peterson was on the field for the first part of Minnesota's practice on Wednesday, participating in light individual drills with his teammates.
After working out without pain in his injured right knee the past two days, Peterson took the next step in his recovery from a partially torn lateral collateral ligament.
Vikings coach Brad Childress said he considered Peterson upgraded from the "long shot" status he assigned the NFL's leading rusher earlier in the week regarding his readiness to play against the New York Giants. Still, the rookie must have another MRI test before he can be cleared and is unlikely to be in uniform on Sunday.
"I don't put any restrictions on him. Nothing surprises me with what that kid does," Childress said, adding: "I am always on the pessimistic side, but I acquiesce to the medical side -- and that is the next step."
Fullback Tony Richardson didn't practice due to a sprained knee, but Childress said he would not rule out the 13-year veteran from Sunday's game. Cornerback Antoine Winfield, who aggravated a strained hamstring last week, was limited in Wednesday's workout.
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