Vikings Will Be Cautious With Adrian Peterson

Sep 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) celebrates his touchdown during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Jaguars 26-23 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Adrian Peterson looked almost like the old Adrian on Sunday, rushing for 84 yards and 2 TDs, and helping to seal the Vikings’ victory with a 20 yard burst in overtime. But of course this was only one performance. Even though Peterson reportedly showed “no ill effects” from running the ball 17 times – he didn’t even pop into the trainer’s room on Monday morning, according to Leslie Frazier – the Vikings will still be cautious in their approach from here on out.

In his Monday presser, Frazier addressed the Peterson Plan for the near term. As you might expect, he shied away from the idea that Peterson will now take on his old workload. He said Peterson will still rotate with Toby Gerhart for the time being, so don’t expect any 20+ carry games from Peterson.

Of course plans have a funny way of changing in the heat of battle. I’m guessing the Vikes didn’t plan on running Adrian 17 times yesterday, but that’s how it shook out. If they get in a tough, grinding game this weekend? I could see Adrian running it 20 times out of necessity. Toby Gerhart may be a good player but if the game’s on the line, who do you want out there? Especially if you’re Leslie Frazier and you think your job might be on the line?

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