Skip to main content

Adrian Peterson will miss Minnesota Vikings' finale

Adrian Peterson has played his final down in 2013.

The Minnesota Vikings have downgraded their star running back to out for Sunday's season finale against the Detroit Lions. Peterson continues to deal with groin and foot issues that have slowed his production.

"If we felt like he was ready, he'd be out there," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said, via ESPN.com.

Peterson has struggled to regain his brilliant form from 2012, when he captured league MVP honors and came within 9 yards of breaking Eric Dickerson's all-time single-season rushing record.

Peterson had entered the season with high hopes, stating his goal to become the first player to rush for 2,500 yards. He'll finish with 1,266 yards and 4.5 yards per carry average -- a full 1.5 yards off his 2012 pace. He scored 10 touchdowns.

Peterson won't be the only running back sidelined in the Vikings' finale. Toby Gerhart (hamstring) has been ruled out, meaning Vikings fans will get another look at Matt Asiata on Sunday.

Asiata posted one of the funkiest stat lines in recent memory in Week 15, finishing with 30 carries for 51 yards and three touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The man is a spectacle.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" delivered a Christmas gift, analyzing the chaotic playoff picture in both conferences.