Peterson 'doing pretty good' following thigh injury
The man they call "All Day" appears to be largely A-OK.
Yes, Vikings star Adrian Peterson endured some pain on Tuesday, but he told reporters on Wednesday that, if this were the regular season, he'd consider himself healthy enough to play.
"Took a knee to the thigh," Peterson explained. It's "a thigh bruise, but I'll be alright.
"I knew what it was right away," said the 6-foot-2, 217-pound running back. "It was just so painful. So I kind of stayed down for a little bit."
For now, Peterson is sidelined during training-camp practices, getting treatment. The 30-year-old isn't sure when he'll return to practice following that injury to his right thigh, but he's not too concerned. After all, Peterson never planned on playing during Minnesota's preseason slate, anyway.
"I'm sure (a return to practice) will kind of be based on how I feel, and treatment," Peterson noted. "The regular season doesn't start til, what, four more weeks? So, that's when it really counts."
For now, Peterson will also spend time mentoring the Vikings' younger ball-carriers, like Jerick McKinnon. The speedy McKinnon, 23, rushed for 538 yards in 11 games last season, filling in after Peterson was sidelined for all but one game following an incident in which he used abusive discipline against his four-year-old son.
"He's a tremendous talent," Peterson said of McKinnon, "and I'm just doing my best to push him forward, so he can just continue to get better."
The other topic of conversation in Vikings camp on Wednesday was the death of Mike Zimmer's 84-year-old father, Bill. Peterson said Vikings players found out about the news as it spread throughout camp as the day rolled on. Minnesota's roster respectfully showed Mike Zimmer support during practice on Wednesday, Peterson said. The head coach is expected to stay with the Vikings through Saturday's preseason game against Tampa Bay, before attending his father's funeral.
"It's sad," said Peterson, "anytime you lose a family member."
Follow Kelly Beaton on Twitter
