Vikings’ Peterson has knee surgery; no other issues found

Now, the line will try to open holes for Jerick McKinnon, Matt Asiata and Ronnie Hillman, who signed Wednesday.

Peterson, who left the field injured during the Vikings’ 17-14 win over the Packers on Sunday, told ESPN he had a “bucket handle tear” of the meniscus, which typically has a minimum recovery time of three to four months.

“It could be season ending”, Zimmer said. Peterson told Anderson he was recovering with “faith and optimism”.

Although the Vikings did not announce a timetable for his return, he is expected to be out until at least December.

In the short term, the Vikings’ decision centers on how to divide Peterson’s workload.

“It depends on how bad the meniscus is”.

The hitch here is that Adrian Peterson will not be getting that money and the injury only worsens the situation.

Though head coach Mike Zimmer is more optimistic, saying the team will re-evaluate him after the surgery. “I don’t know. I’m sure (doctors) will let you know after the surgery”. Teams now can wait before designating a player to return, but only can put one player per season on that list.

This, after original starting QB Teddy Bridgewater destroyed his left knee after merely planting his foot awkwardly in a non-contact drill on August 30. He has looked fantastic, snaring five passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2 vs. Baltimore.

It also highlights why Peterson’s inability to make things happen when running out of the shotgun formation is a much bigger deal than a lot of people want to make it out to be. “You just got to get over it and move on”.

The Vikings are not putting a timescale on Peterson’s absence and have not yet opted to place him on injured reserve, which could become an option after he goes under the knife on Thursday.

That said, Adrian Peterson may have just added a bargaining chip on his end though it may all boil down to how well he returns from surgery. Relative to his age and other running back salaries, that represents a mountain of money, even for a player who has defined the Vikings’ offense for more than a decade.

Zimmer said the Vikings have overcome odds before against them.

“I feel we have to go back to work and get ready to play Carolina”, Zimmer said.

“We’re just looking for different ways, just find a way to win the games – that’s what it’s all about”, McKinnon said. Peterson on the year has 50 yards on 31 carries, which gives him 1.6 yards per carry average.

“Hillman, a third-round draft pick by Denver in 2012, has played in 48 games and made 15 starts”.

The Vikings also could be without running back Adrian Peterson for the rest of the season.