NFL: Adrian Peterson returns to practice and can play on Sunday for Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson is expected to return to NFL action on Sunday after Minnesota Vikings revealed that he had returned to full practice and was being made available.

Peterson was deactivated by the Vikings after being charged with negligent or reckless injury to a child after hitting his son with a branch, allegedly causing injuries.

The Vikings were soundly beaten 30-7 by the New England Patriots on Sunday, but their best player and face of the franchise is now back in full practice and is expected to suit up this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf released a statement insisting that they are taking the matter seriously but feel that Peterson should be allowed to play while the legal process is carried out.

This is a difficult path to navigate, and our focus is on doing the right thing. Currently we believe we are at a juncture where the most appropriate next step is to allow the judicial process to move forward.

"Today's decision was made after significant thought, discussion and consideration,” read the team statement. “As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday's game, this is clearly a very important issue.

Evaluation

“On Friday, we felt it was in the best interests of the organization to step back, evaluate the situation, and not rush to judgment given the seriousness of this matter. At that time, we made the decision that we felt was best for the Vikings and all parties involved.

"To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child. At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action.

“This is a difficult path to navigate, and our focus is on doing the right thing. Currently we believe we are at a juncture where the most appropriate next step is to allow the judicial process to move forward.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support Adrian's fulfilment of his legal responsibilities throughout this process."

The Vikings’ on-field performance on Sunday against the Patriots may have played a part in the team wanting to get Peterson back onto the field, as without him quarterback Matt Cassel was forced to throw the ball 36 times – yielding four interceptions.

Big decision

It’s a brave move by them though given the current climate in the NFL with off-field behaviour of players, and also the reaction to it from teams, becoming a red-hot issue in America.

Allowing Peterson to play whilst he has such a serious allegation hanging over him is a decision that will likely come in for criticism, although as yet he is just facing charges and has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing – something the Vikings are keen to point out.

He has, however, admitted to using a branch to discipline his child, in the same manner he experienced himself growing up, and in fact the matter has been going for some months. 

Peterson handed himself in to Montgomerie County Sheriff’s Office in Texas on Saturday, before he was released on $15,000 bond, but any trial, if it happens, would not occur until next year according to legal experts.