Peterson is doubtful to play in finale
Published 1:27 pm Saturday, December 28, 2013
EDEN PRAIRIE — Adrian Peterson has created big Metrodome moments. Now it looks as if he won’t play in Sunday’s final game in the 31-year-old stadium.
He has tried to play through a sprained right foot and a lingering groin injury, but he is doubtful for the final regular-season game against the Detroit Lions. Coach Leslie Frazier said he wouldn’t let the MVP running back coerce him into playing.
“Probably not, unless something dramatically changes,” Frazier said.
Peterson practiced on a limited basis this week for Minnesota (4-10-1) and said the groin injury he’s dealt with for nearly two months is more bothersome than the foot he sprained on Dec. 8. Peterson missed the following week’s game because of the foot injury and was upset when Frazier wouldn’t let him play.
Despite practicing this week, Frazier isn’t sure Peterson’s injuries have improved enough to play Sunday. Frazier said sitting out Peterson, who is third in the league in rushing with 1,266 yards, isn’t a consideration if he’s deemed healthy enough to play.
“If he could play, just like last week, he would be out there,” Frazier said. “So if we felt like he was ready to go, he’d be out there on Sunday.”
Peterson started last week’s game, but sat most of the second half in the Vikings’ 42-14 loss at Cincinnati.
Backup Toby Gerhart has been ruled out after reinjuring his hamstring in last week’s game. Matt Asiata, who filled in for Peterson and Gerhart on Dec. 15 with 30 carries for 51 yards and three touchdowns, would start if Peterson can’t play.
Defensive tackle Letroy Guion (quadriceps) is doubtful and didn’t practice this week. Cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes (ankle) and Shaun Prater (ankle) are questionable.