As Adrian Peterson awaits the fate of his suspension appeal, rumors on when he’ll play again continue to circle.
Peterson hasn’t played since Week 1 of the season after being charged with child abuse. He pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge and was suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for the final six games of the regular season – he won’t be considered for reinstatement until April 15, 2015.
Peterson has appealed this suspension, and a decision on the appeal is expected this week. (Last week, Peter King reported Peterson is “likely (but not certain) to be reinstated.”)
ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen reported Sunday that a source told him it’s unlikely the Vikings star will play again, regardless of the result of his appeal. The source said “there is little belief [Peterson] will play again this year” even if NFL arbitrator Harold Henderson rules in favor of Peterson.
Mortensen’s source says if Peterson’s suspension is upheld, he’ll miss the first three games of the 2015 season because he still has a minimum six-game suspension to serve. If Henderson rules this week, the Vikings will have three regular-season games left. Two road games in Detroit and Miami, and a home game against Chicago.
CBS Sports is reporting there have been talks between the NFL and NFL Player’s Association regarding reaching a settlement on Peterson’s discipline before Henderson rules on the appeal, but that is unlikely, sources said, noting the groups haven’t made a significant push to settle the matter before Henderson’s ruling.
If a compromise between the two groups is struck, it won’t come until later this week at the earliest, CBS Sports adds.
