Adrian Peterson expected to play, despite personal issues

Peterson will stick with his decision to play in the game despite the death of his two-year-old son on Friday in Sioux Falls, S.D., due to injuries sustained from an alleged aggravated assault at the hands of the mother’s boyfriend. The veteran running back told reporters on Friday he was going to play against Carolina, a statement made before it was known his son had passed away.

Joseph Patterson, 27, has been charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery and has been ordered held on $750,000 cash bond.

Peterson is currently third in the NFL with 421 yards rushing and leads the league with five rushing touchdowns. Peterson asked for privacy regarding the situation on Friday, while stating that playing football and being around the support of his teammates allows him an outlet for his stress and grief.

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