Peterson could return for Vikings against Lions on Sunday

Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson is on track to return to the field this week, just in time for a pivotal NFC North game against Detroit.

Peterson tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee three weeks ago against Green Bay. He missed the past two victories over Oakland and the Giants, but the star rookie had an MRI exam Monday that "shows excellent healing," coach Brad Childress said.

As long as everything goes as planned this week in practice, Childress said he would ease Peterson back against the Lions, splitting carries with veteran Chester Taylor.

Despite missing the past two games, Peterson still leads the NFL with 1,081 yards rushing and is second to Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook with 1,301 yards from scrimmage.

The Vikings (5-6) have won three of their past four games to creep back into the playoff picture in the muddled NFC. Detroit (6-5) has lost three in a row after starting the season 6-2.