Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson won't be carrying the football during the preseason unless he wants to, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Head coach Mike Zimmer said he has "nothing to see" from Peterson in the preseason, but that the star running back could "get a carry or two" if he wants.
Adrian Peterson likely won’t play in the preseason
The reason: he doesn’t need to.
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Peterson is the biggest name on the Vikings and fans are always hoping to get a glimpse of him sooner rather than later in the preseason. Still, too many carries, and folks would question the Vikings for putting him at risk for injury. It’s not like Peterson needs the carries by any stretch of the imagination.
He’s carried the football 2,033 times in the regular season for 10,115 yards with 86 touchdowns. It’s probably safe to say that Peterson has a grasp on things.
The only reason we might have suspected he’d get some time is the fact that Zimmer is a new head coach with a new scheme. But running backs are generally able to pick up offenses much faster than other positions and, of course, Peterson is the kind of player you tailor an offense around. There won’t be any questions as to whether he’s a good fit.
Behind Peterson, veteran Matt Asiata, rookie third-round pick Jerick McKinnon and longshot Joe Banyard are competing for key preseason RB duties and reps.
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