Update: The Vikings have named Asiata the starter for Week 17, according to Pro Football Talk. That essentially confirms Peterson is out for Sunday’s game.
Adrian Peterson doubtful for Week 17, fantasy value next to none
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is doubtful for Week 17. We break down the fantasy implications.
Andy Lyons
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is listed as doubtful for the team's Week 17 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Peterson is dealing with a foot injury that kept him out of Minnesota's Week 16 game. Peterson wanted to play then, but was listed as doubtful and was declared inactive prior to the game.
Peterson is too valuable a player to risk serious injury to, which is why he sat in Week 16. Toby Gerhart, his backup, was also out for that game, so the Vikings turned to Matt Asiata instead. Asiata ended up carrying the load big time, and managed three touchdowns in Week 16.
Fantasy Impact: If you’ve got one more game to go and you were hoping Peterson is the guy to roll with, then we’ve got bad news for you. The doubtful tag combined with the fact that this is a meaningless game for the Vikings means that Peterson will almost assuredly be inactive on Sunday.
Fantasy owners should prepare a backup option, and it shouldn’t be Gerhart, who has already been declared out. It’s hard to recommend Asiata given his inexperience, despite his Week 16 performance. It’s just not likely he grabs another three touchdowns to close out the season.
• Week 17 fantasy football position rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
