THURSDAY, 9:32am: The Vikings announced “there were no additional injuries or issues noted in or surrounding the knee joint,” during Peterson’s surgical procedure.
WEDNESDAY, 4:44pm: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is set for surgery to repair the torn meniscus he suffered in the Vikings’ 17-14 win over the Packers on Sunday, and there’s now question as to whether the 31-year-old also has a torn LCL. Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington of ESPN report that he does (via Twitter), while both Vikings officials and Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press have shot down that notion (Twitter links). Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that Peterson has a mild LCL sprain, one that won’t require surgery.
There’s already a chance Peterson’s meniscus issue will keep him out for the rest of the season, so an LCL tear would make a comeback all the more difficult. If Schefter and Darlington are wrong, it seems Peterson and the Vikings have dodged a potentially significant problem.
For however long Peterson is out, the Vikings will turn to Jerick McKinnon, Matt Asiata and the newly signed Ronnie Hillman at running back. Their track records pale in comparison to Peterson’s, of course, but he didn’t resemble his seven-time Pro Bowl self during the Vikings’ first two games. Peterson racked up 31 carries and amassed just 50 yards, good for an average of 1.6 per tote.
Despite Peterson’s lack of production and having to use two starting quarterbacks in as many games, defending NFC North champion Minnesota has begun 2016 with back-to-back victories. The team will head to Carolina this week to face the reigning NFC champion Panthers.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
in spite of the recent injuries to the Vikes, I have to give a great amount of praise to the front office. they have 2 major injuries at skill positions on offense and wasted no time signing quality replacements. as a fan I am encouraged that they are on the right track in tne front office, finally!!
Thumbs up indeed! Good drafts in recent and both Sam Bradford and Stephen Diggs looked strong against the Packers. Also, that defense had a strong chance to be #2 this year (the Broncos are too filthy good to be anything but first).