The will-they or wont-they saga with Adrian Peterson and the Vikings came to an end last week, but that doesn’t mean that the drama surrounding AP is going anywhere.
Now, fans are apparently clamoring to know whether the troubled-but-gifted RB will return to play during the preseason.
Unfortunately, says Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer, it doesn’t appear that Peterson will suit up.
In spite of the 2012 MVP’s return to the team after a nine-month hiatus, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer doesn’t expect to use Peterson during the preseason.
“I probably don’t see that, no,” Zimmer said to the St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson. “We’re talking in June, so you can’t hold me to it, but he’s carried the ball a lot and he’s going to continue to carry the ball a lot. He’ll get plenty of looks and reps in practice.”
The preseason is essentially extended practice for older guys like Peterson, so it may not make a huge difference. As for how the veteran ball carrier has looked so far, he says:
“He’s looked good,” Zimmer said of Peterson. “He’s done a good job of really everything, carrying the football, a good job of protection, a good job of catching the football. He seems to be enjoying himself. … It’s nice to see when we see him run the ball, get the ball in his hands, and accelerate and the cuts he’s made, he’s looked exceptional.”
So while there have been no setbacks health wise – they simply may sit Peterson due to precautionary measures.
Honestly, if you’re a Vikings fan you should be happy about this. They’re meaningless games and – though I do believe AP will need some time to readjust – another potentially devastating injury far outweighs any potential benefit he may gain from participating in preseason.
It’s not set in stone yet – but its looking like we all may have to wait until September 14th to see Peterson back in an NFL game.
H/T theScore
