Adrian Peterson’s recovery blew away the Vikings, but they’ll still be careful with him

Adrian Peterson has come back from many injuries during his career with the Minnesota Vikings, and he faced another challenge after suffering a torn meniscus in Week 2. The injury required surgery and, according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, had a minimum recovery time of three or four months, but usually up to six months.

He will make his return against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15, exactly three months after the injury occurred.

The Vikings, who have watched Peterson’s incredible ability to recover over the years, were still blown away. The running back was officially designated to return from the injured reserve earlier this week and returned to practice Wednesday. But Minnesota didn’t plan for him to play four days later.

Even Peterson didn’t seem to expect to be ready to go on the first weekend after his return to the practice field.

“I plan on practicing this week to really get my legs under me and get a good feel on where I’m at,” Peterson said on Dash Radio on Monday. “So this week is going to be big for me. My plan, and my vision, is to be back for the Green Bay game [on Dec. 24]. That’s what I’m envisioning.”

But even with Peterson looking ahead of schedule, the Vikings still face the danger of overworking a 31-year-old running back upon his return. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, there’s no snap count for Peterson, but the team will be wary of running him into the ground.

The Vikings offense could use the boost, though. Minnesota has cracked 100 rushing yards in just one game this season and ranks dead last with just 3.0 yards per rushing attempt.

Minnesota is on the outside of the playoff picture looking in but finishes the year against the Colts, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears. Indianapolis is near the bottom of the NFL in rushing defense and gives up 4.5 yards per carry. If Peterson can gash the Colts defense, the Vikings could still be very much alive in the postseason race.