Adrian Peterson says he'll play Sunday against the Colts

After three practices on his surgically-repaired knee, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson says he's "ready to roll."

December 16, 2016 at 8:00PM
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was back on the practice field on Wednesday at Winter Park.
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was back on the practice field on Wednesday at Winter Park. (Randy Johnson — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

After three practices on his surgically-repaired knee, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson says he's "ready to roll."

Peterson said he'll play Sunday against the Colts, his first game action since suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee Week 2, he told Dash Radio during an interview on Friday afternoon. According to Billboard, Peterson has a financial stake in the radio station.

The Vikings need to officially activate Peterson, who remains on injured reserve with a designation to return, and make a corresponding roster move before he can play.

"I was able to come to the conclusion, talking to the head coach [Mike Zimmer], my position coach [Kevin Stefanski] and the training staff that I'm going to go," Peterson said. "Being out there confirmed I'm ready to roll."

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said Friday that Peterson's return would depend on "making sure everything's all right with the doctors."

Peterson, 31, told Twin Cities reporters earlier this week that he intends to keep the titanium brace on his right knee during play.

"It's a four-to-six month injury," Peterson said, adding he intended to be smart about his return.

"The worst thing that could've happened was waiting a week and watching my team lose," Peterson said Friday. "That's not what I expect to happen."

Mixing Peterson back into the offense could come with some hiccups as the Vikings have trended away from their running game, which ranks last in the NFL, in favor of quicker throws from Sam Bradford.

"I've had my head in the playbook," Peterson said.

about the writer

about the writer

Andrew Krammer

Reporter

Andrew Krammer covers the Vikings for the Minnesota Star Tribune, entering his sixth NFL season. From the Metrodome to U.S. Bank Stadium, he's reported on everything from Case Keenum's Minneapolis Miracle, the offensive line's kangaroo court to Adrian Peterson's suspension.

See More