Before opting for surgery that will keep him sidelined for the next few months, Adrian Peterson was weighing his options.
He could have opted for a riskier procedure that would have gotten him back on the field in potentially a few weeks. But he ended up choosing the best solution for the long term — one that keeps him out until at least December.
According to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, not everyone is happy with the decision Peterson made.
Some members of the Vikings organization reportedly were privately upset with Adrian Peterson's decision to undergo surgery pic.twitter.com/vSikn6DOJl
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 23, 2016
“While the top of the organization remains supportive and would like to see him return next season under a new contract, Peterson has alienated a few teammates, leaving his future with the Vikings up in the air,” Cole reported.
Minnesota is one of the top teams in the NFC. Many have picked this team as a favorite to represent the conference in the Super Bowl. After losing Teddy Bridgewater, that dream appeared to take a huge hit until Sam Bradford alleviated some fears last Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers.
But during that game, Peterson went down with his knee injury. He’s been a huge part of the Vikings’ offense for the past decade. It’s hard to imagine this offense without All Day. But that’s exactly what is going to happen for the next few months.
It’s not shocking to hear that some players might be frustrated with facing this reality. It’s also not a huge stretch to think some of them might be angry that Peterson chose to undergo a surgical procedure that will keep him out most of the year when he might have been able to play sooner.
That said, any angry thoughts should be quickly dismissed as heat-of-the-moment flashes. It’s hard to imagine anyone will hold a long-term grudge over this.
In the meantime, while Peterson recovers, Jerick McKinnon will be the lead back for the Vikings. Matt Asiata will back him up and the offense will be in good hands as long as Bradford plays well under center.
It’s something Vikings fans need to start embracing anyway — life after Peterson. He’s already 31, and it’s possible he’ll never be the same when he returns.