Minnesota Vikings GM hopes Adrian Peterson can return in 2016

A torn meniscus put Adrian Peterson on the shelf, but don’t count out the star running back from returning to the Minnesota Vikings during the 2016 season.

The Minnesota Vikings have dealt with a lot of injuries through the 2016 NFL season. One of the most devastating was the loss of former NFL Most Valuable Player and rushing leader Adrian Peterson.

However, his torn meniscus may not keep him away from the game for the entirety of the 2016 season. During a recent talk with the media, general manager Rick Spielman spoke about the star running back and how this injury might not keep him sidelined until next year.

"“He’s going to do everything he can to get back,” Spielman said in a bye week meeting with the media according to 1500 ESPN. “I look at it also as that’s at least eight, nine weeks of not taking hits on that body, which is going to make him pretty fresh.”"

Historically, Adrian Peterson has found success after returning from injuries. Following an ACL tear, the running back came back with a vengeance, leading the NFL in rushing and nearly breaking the league’s single season record.

Of course, judging by the start of the season, the Minnesota Vikings may not want to rush him back into the lineup. During his 2 games before the injury, he carried the ball 31 times for only 50 yards, failing to find the end zone.

However, that doesn’t keep Spielman from being optimistic about his star player’s future.

"“Adrian was kind of getting back into it,” Spielman said. “I think because we had adjusted some things offensively and our offensive line I think was still trying to gel early. When he played those first couple games and usually Adrian becomes strong as the season goes and goes stronger as the games progress.”"

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The Minnesota Vikings will need to make a hard decision when it comes to Peterson after this season. The running back’s $18 million salary is not guaranteed, and the team could decide to part ways with the man who has been part of the franchise since 2007. This will be an interesting situation to watch unfold while the Vikings continue to find ways to win without their premiere player.