Friday 15 September 2017 10:20, UK
Adrian Peterson is frustrated with his role in the New Orleans Saints offence after a disappointing debut last weekend.
After ten seasons with the Vikings, Peterson returned to Minnesota with the Saints, where he signed as a free agent last summer, but made minimal impact in a 29-19 loss.
The 32-year-old was limited to just nine snaps in the game, carrying the ball six times for 18 yards, while failing to haul in a pass on another target from Drew Brees.
Peterson was caught having what appeared to be a heated debate with head coach Sean Payton during the game - something both played down afterwards - but it is clear he is not happy.
"I didn't sign up for nine snaps, though. But unfortunately that's the way the game played out," Peterson told reporters Thursday.
"In my mind, personally, I knew it was going to take some adjusting. You know, me and Mark [Ingram] played in the last preseason game, and [Alvin Kamara] didn't even play that game.
"So with all three of us being out there, I knew it would take a game or so to kind of get adjusted. So we'll see how things [go] this week."
Peterson is part of a crowded backfield in New Orleans that also includes former first-round pick Mark Ingram and impressive third-round rookie Alvin Kamara.
Kamara is the primary option on passing downs and, with Saints trailing for most of the game against Minnesota, he led the way by playing 31 of the offence's 62 snaps.
Ingram managed 26 snaps and was most effective on passing downs with five catches for 54 yards.
But Peterson, who has 11,765 career rushing yards, has been making his case for a larger role when the New England Patriots come to New Orleans on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Main Event.
"I can get it started at any point in the game," Peterson explained. "So I'm not that type of guy. I can take it the distance on the first play, I've done that in the past before.
"Just whenever it's in my hands, I know that's an opportunity to take it to the house."
