Did Vikings running back Adrian Peterson come back a bit too soon?
The 30-year-old told reporters on Wednesday that he was not sure he'd be able to suit up for Saturday's divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin. He was officially listed as having knee/groin injuries on Wednesday's team injury report.
"I'm taking it day by day," Peterson said, via The Star-Tribune.
Peterson made his return a week ago in a blowout loss to the Colts. He underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in late September and, true to his form, recovered in time to play before the end of the season. Peterson ran the ball six times for 22 yards against the Colts and added one catch for a yard.
At this point, it might be fair to wonder what Peterson's plans are for the future. Should he remain in Minnesota, it's hard to imagine the Vikings settling with an $11.75 million salary plus a hefty roster bonus next year. Peterson showed flashes of the running back he used to be on Sunday but is still a good offseason away from reaching full strength. By opening day of 2017, he will be 31.
The Vikings are struggling up front, which adds to their dilemma at running back. Peterson, for years, was one of the few backs talented enough to negate poor play ahead of him. If that isn't the case anymore, what are the Vikings to do as they rebuild their tattered front five? Minnesota still has a very slim chance of reaching the playoffs and that starts with beating Green Bay on Saturday. At some point, coach Mike Zimmer and his staff will have to decide if Peterson can be a part of the near future and the distant future as well.
