Minnesota say superstar rusher Adrian Peterson could recover from his serious knee injury for the start of next season.
League's best running back faces tough road back to fitness after knee injury
The Minnesota Vikings hope to have superstar running back Adrian Peterson back in action for the beginning of next season despite him suffering a serious knee injury on Saturday.
Peterson will need surgery after suffering torn medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments during the game against Washington on Christmas Eve.
The Vikings hope Peterson will be able to play at the start of the new season with a recovery time of eight to nine months being talked about.
Head coach Leslie Frazier is remaining positive about having Peterson available - though it will be a close call even if he fully recovers in the time frame given.
"He is extremely optimistic, positive, even in the midst of rehab ahead of him, he is extremely positive about being able to come back and be as good or better than he was before and that's the Adrian we're all accustomed to seeing," Frazier said.
"He sets his goals extremely high and he's one of those guys who, when he puts his mind to it, there's no reason to ever doubt that he can't achieve what he really puts his mind to."
Star man
The four-time Pro Bowl selection and 2008 NFL rushing champion is widely regarded as the best running back in the league, and any time he misses will be a huge blow for the Vikings.
Peterson will require surgery once the initial swelling goes down, and even though cartilage damage could add further complications, Vikings head trainer Eric Sugarman is also upbeat on a full and speedy recovery.
"Adrian is, I feel, very unique," said Sugerman. "If there was anyone that is going to be able to recover from this injury, it's Adrian Peterson.
"You may ask why, and it's because Adrian has a great work ethic. Adrian has the DNA to heal quickly, which he has shown in the past."
With Minnesota only 3-12 despite beating Washington on Saturday, the team have little to play for so can do without Peterson for their final game of the season against Chicago.
However, after such a poor year they will want to start the 2012/13 season quickly, and will need Peterson firing on all cylinders to do that.
