The return of running back Adrian Peterson to Minnesota Vikings practice has given quarterback Sam Bradford some encouragement going forward.
There was always some hope that star running back Adrian Peterson would make a return to the Minnesota Vikings during the 2016 NFL season. And that hope got even greater when the team designated him to return from injured reserve.
One of the most excited people about the idea of Peterson returning to the team is quarterback Sam Bradford. He knows that the running back could be a major asset to the team’s struggling ground game.
Recently, Bradford spoke to the Star Tribune about this situation and how Adrian Peterson can provide leadership and experience to the team:
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"“I just think he’s one of those guys. He’s been a leader on this team. Obviously, he’s one of the best players in this league, and he has been for quite some time. I think just having him back out at practice and in the huddle is a definite lift to our guys.”"
As previously reported, Peterson hopes to return to active game duty in week 16 against the Green Bay Packers. However, he will likely only do so if there is still a chance of the Vikings making the postseason.
Head coach Mike Zimmer was asked about the chances that Peterson could see some action during the team’s week 15 contest against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, December 18, 2016. The response was the typical Zimmer non-answer when asked about player game statuses:
"“I don’t know. We’ll see.”"
Next: Peterson thinking about the future as well as 2016
Odds are that Sam Bradford will get a chance to play with Adrian Peterson this season. He hasn’t had the opportunity to play with the running back since week 2 of the NFL season when the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers in their regular season home opener against the Green Bay Packers.