Vikings will lean on defense, Bradford without Peterson

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson had “successful” surgery on his right knee on Thursday and will begin rehabilitation immediately, although the National Football League team gave no date for his return. He suffered the injury Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers in his first game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

It was announced on September 23, 2016 that their star running back was placed on injured reserve, ending his time on the 2016 Vikings roster…at least for now.

“Adrian Peterson had a successful lateral meniscus fix this morning”, the team said. “The surgery was performed by team physician Chris Larson at Twin Cities Orthopedics”. The team has held off putting him on injured reserve and gave no update on his expected return in their statement Thursday on the surgery.

He became only the third man over 30 to top the standings after rushing for 1,485 yards over 16 games, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

Jerick McKinnon will handle the primary workload with Matt Asiata serving as a short-yardage and goal line runner.

According to Bleacher Report, unidentified sources within the organization say there were some who privately were upset with Peterson for choosing to have the surgery, which could sideline him for much of the season, believing he could have played through the injury.

Also Friday, left tackle Matt Kalil had surgery to fix a labrum tear in his right hip.

The Vikings also signed Ronnie Hillman earlier this week.