Adrian Peterson's banishment from the Minnesota Vikings could extend beyond Sunday's game versus the New England Patriots.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports, via a Vikings source, that the length of Peterson's absence could be longer than this week based on what new information the organization uncovers about the running back's charge of reckless or negligent injury to a child.
Although the Vikings have heard Peterson's side of the story, they are still in information-gathering mode after discovering Friday that the charges were coming.
General manager Rick Spielman told NFL Media's Andrea Kremer on Saturday that the team's approach is "literally one hour at a time." The Vikings don't know yet if more pictures or videos will be forthcoming.
One other member of the organization confirmed to Kremer that the "current climate" created by Ray Rice's indefinite suspension for striking his then-fiancee in an elevator certainly factored into the decision to deactivate Peterson for Sunday's game.
Asked by Kremer if the discipline might include a team suspension or even Peterson's release, Spielman said all of the facts need to be in line before those decisions are made.
The team's brass hopes to make a firm decision on Peterson's status this week, per Rapoport.
Meanwhile, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy has confirmed to NFL Media that Peterson's case will be reviewed under the league's personal conduct policy.
With their best player out of the lineup, the Vikings will turn to Matt Asiataas Sunday's starter, with rookie Jerick McKinnon -- a rare athlete -- as the primary backup.
