The Minnesota Vikings have discussed shelving Adrian Peterson for the final game of the season, but the All-Pro running back will be on the field if he has it his way. Peterson said Tuesday he hopes to battle through recent injury problems and play this Sunday against the Detroit Lions, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.
Adrian Peterson injury: Vikings RB wants to play in finale
Peterson hopes to play through recent injuries and close out the season against the Lions.
Andy Lyons
“I am feeling all right, not as healthy as I would like,” said Peterson. “I am going to push to try and get out there this week.”
Peterson has been hampered recently by a groin strain and a sprained foot. He missed Week 15 completely and received only one carry in the second half of last week's blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said earlier this week he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of sitting Peterson against the Lions, and said he would wait to see how last year’s MVP looked in practice on Thursday.
Both the Vikings and Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs, and Minnesota may have little interest in risking the health of their prized running back in a meaningless game. But Peterson contends he has plenty to play for.
“There’s not much to play for but pride and each other,” he said. “That’s what we are playing for. ... It’s the last game in the Metrodome, so we definitely want to close it out the right way.”
Peterson could also grab runner-up to the rushing title on Sunday. He sits just 21 yards shy of second-place rusher Jamaal Charles, who will likely be limited in Week 17 as the Chiefs rest up for a playoff run. LeSean McCoy leads the league with 1,476 yards.
More from SB Nation NFL
See More:
