After undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee back in September, there were some who believed Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson would not return this season. Now, with six weeks remaining in the regular season, it looks like Peterson is on track to return.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Peterson is expecting to play at some point next month.
“According to several people briefed on his rehab, Peterson’s desire to return before the end of the season is still realistic. No one knows for sure when he’ll be back — his return is based on several factors — but there have been no complications to his ongoing recovery,” Rapoport reported.
This could be some relatively big news for the Vikings. Despite boasting a 6-4 record and being tied for first place in the NFC North heading into Thanksgiving, the Vikings have struggled considerably on the ground.
Minnesota is averaging what would be a record low 2.7 rushing yards per attempt this season. Over the course of the past five games, the Vikings are averaging less than 70 rushing yards per outing. Needless to say, the team has lost four of those five games.
Peterson himself has a history of returning strong from serious injuries. This history also included him returning well ahead of time. With the Vikings facing an important late-season schedule, that could very well be the case here as well.