Adrian Peterson ‘would be lying’ if 2017 did not factor in his decision to come back this season

Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on after leasing 23-20 to the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on after leasing 23-20 to the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

In his second straight day of practice, Minnesota Vikings running back took some time to speak to the media about returning to the field in the near future.

The Minnesota Vikings have now had their star running back in Adrian Peterson back in practice for two straight days after he was out on the field again Thursday afternoon. In the locker room afterwards, Peterson took some time to answer a bunch of questions from the local media.

He did admit that he still has a few things to learn with Pat Shurmur now in control of the offense, but nothing too out of the ordinary.

Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) catches the ball prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) catches the ball prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

During both practice sessions that Peterson has participated in, the running back was seen wearing a brace around his surgically repaired knee. The running back said that he would continue to wear the brace during an actual game if he is able to return to the field.

When asked about if his football career after this season is playing a part in his decision to come back this year, Peterson said he, “would be lying,” if he were to say his future in the league was not a factor.

At least he is being honest.

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Whether the Vikings like it or not, the running back does have to be a little selfish when making decision to come back this season. He has said in the past that he would like to play a few more years after the 2016 season, so making sure there is a low risk of injury is a definite deal-breaker in the running back’s choice to return this year.

It still seems as though Peterson and Minnesota are preparing for him to return on Christmas Eve against the Green Bay Packers. He was asked about the possibility of playing this week when the team faces the Indianapolis Colts, but Peterson did not offer anything that would lead anyone to believe he will be suiting up on Sunday.

Next: Vikings keys to victory vs. the Colts

Then again, you never know what ol’ Mike Zimmer may have up his sleeve.

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