Vikings running back Adrian Peterson returned to practice on Monday – in a limited fashion.
Peterson bruised his thigh during training camp last Tuesday when he was hit by a defender’s knee. After a few nervous moments, Peterson said the injury wasn’t anything serious.
"I took a knee to the thigh, a thigh bruise, but I'll be alright." –@adrianpeterson
WATCH: http://t.co/YZbnJkuyoo pic.twitter.com/2HIqokrnKj
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 13, 2015
Still, the Vikings were cautious with him as Peterson sat out practice both Wednesday and Thursday.
According to the Pioneer Press, Peterson was limited to individual drills in practice Monday. It’s not vital the Vikings rush him back. The team has said the 30-year-old former MVP will not play in preseason games. He is expected to debut Sept. 14 in the Vikings regular-season opener at San Francisco.
ESPN reports that Peterson said if the injury had occurred during the regular season he would have played.
With Peterson out, Jerick McKinnon will continue to take the majority of the reps with the first team.
Outside of Peterson the Vikings are already dealing with a number of injuries. Right tackle Phil Loadholt is out for the rest of the season after tearing his Achilles tendon early during the Vikings 26-16 victory over Tampa Bay.
The Star Tribune notes that cornerback Josh Robinson (pectoral), tight end MyCole Pruitt (ankle), nose tackle Shamar Stephen (knee), offensive tackle Carter Bykowski (shoulder), safety Antone Exum (undisclosed) also didn’t practice.
However, both offensive lineman David Yankey and linebacker Anthony Barr participated in practice Monday.
