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It looks like Adrian Peterson’s streak of preseasons without a carry will hit three straight.
Peterson has not played in either of the team’s first two preseason games and Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said he “doesn’t really see the need” for Peterson to play in the remaining two games.
Peterson’s role in the offense has changed under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s system. Peterson figures to be a much bigger part of the team’s passing game than he has been in the past. But ESPN’s Ben Goessling reports that Zimmer thinks he has gotten enough work in practice.
“We’re grabbing at the ball pretty good. We’re not tackling him or anything,” Zimmer said. “He’s doing a great job with the protections and the routes, and obviously he runs really good. The only concern you have is he might not have been hit enough.”
It’s not anything new for Peterson. He hasn’t had a carry in a preseason game since 2011.
Peterson was limited to 14 games in the 2013 regular season as he dealt with foot and groin injuries. He underwent offseason surgery for the third straight year, but has been a full participant in the Vikings offseason program under Zimmer.
According to FOX Sports Net, Peterson said he’s ready for the season.
“I pretty much feel comfortable,” Peterson told reporters. “I’m studying the book hard, got some good coaches surrounding me, coach Kirby (Wilson) is doing a great job of teaching his room well. Of course coach Turner has done a great job out here.”
The Vikings play at Kansas City on Saturday night, then travel to Tennessee on Thursday of next week. They open the regular season on Sept. 7, in St. Louis.
