Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson tore the ACL in his left knee Saturday after taking a direct hit in a 33-26 win over the Washington Redskins.
An MRI showed the anterior cruciate ligament tear after the team returned to Minnesota. Other reports say he also tore his MCL.
Peterson said he knew ''it was something bad'' the moment he was hit and that he was in ''severe pain'' on he lay on the field. He was hurt when tackled by Redskins safety DeJon Gomes at the end of a 3-yard gain on the first offensive play of the second half.
''Anytime you take a blow to the knee like that, you're concerned about the ACL, MCL,'' Peterson said as he stood on crutches in the locker room.
Peterson likely will be out for nine months; it will be difficult for him to return for the start of next season. The Vikings said coach Leslie Frazier will provide a further update at his news conference Monday.
On the play after Peterson was hurt, Minnesota's Christian Ponder suffered a head injury when sacked by Adam Carriker and London Fletcher. Ponder remained in the game for one more play — a third-down incomplete pass — before heading to the locker room.
Frazier said Ponder had ''concussion-like symptoms.'' The coach said he's uncertain whether the quarterback will play in next week's season finale against the Chicago Bears.
''We'll have to weigh it when we get back,'' Frazier said, ''and I'll follow the doctor's lead.''
Peterson had 12 carries for 38 yards when he left. He also had a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
The four-time Pro Bowler, who recently signed a $100 million contract to play with the Vikings for the next seven years, already was battling through an injury-plagued season after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 10 against Atlanta.
In 11 games this season, Peterson has rushed for 932 yards — meaning this will be the first season that he does not reach 1,000 since he entered the league in 2007.
