Adrian Peterson signed with the New Orleans Saints during the offseason eyeing a regular role, but that hasn’t been the case after four weeks.
There might be good news for him, though.
According to Herbie Teope of The Times-Picayune, Saints running backs coach Joel Thomas thinks that’s going to change.
“It’s just a matter of time. I really feel like this block, it’s going to break. … We just have to keep on chipping and you keep grinding, keep getting after something and ultimately something positive is going to come out of this.”
But when? That’s the question that won’t go away.
After all, Peterson has clearly been the third choice in the rotation this year. It started during the season opener when he logged just nine snaps and was seen saying something to New Orleans head coach Sean Payton, who didn’t appear pleased with the exchange.
Through Week 4, per Teope, first-stringer Mark Ingram has 57 touches on 137 snaps while rookie backup Alvin Kamara — who also returns kicks on occasion — has 35 touches on 91 snaps. Peterson, meanwhile, has logged 44 snaps with 29 touches.
Given that 65.9 percent rate, New Orleans typically uses Peterson when he checks in. That makes the offense predictable, and it’s not a coincidence he’s averaging an even 3.0 yards per carry.
For that productivity to rise, the Saints would need to play Peterson more often when he’s not getting the ball. However, both Ingram and Kamara are better receiving options than the veteran, so it doesn’t make sense to sacrifice that, either.
Plus, as we’ve previously said and Thomas also mentioned, game flow has been a problem for the Saints. They were in pass-first situations during losses to the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots, while Kamara had the hot hand in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins.
Peterson doesn’t like standing on the sideline. That’s perfectly understandable considering his previous All-Pro form, and the Saints will get him involved eventually.
But there’s no guarantee it’s more beneficial to the team than relying on Ingram and Kamara. Peterson isn’t the player he once was.