Vikes hopeful Adrian Peterson will play has 0 comments

Dec 5th 2010, 10:40 | FFN-Score: 25 points

Minnesota's three best offensive players -- running back Adrian Peterson, receiver Percy Harvin and left guard Steve Hutchinson -- all are listed as questionable for the Vikings game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Peterson, the third-leading rusher in the NFL, has a sprained right ankle. Hutchinson, the perennial Pro Bowl left guard, has a broken right thumb. And Harvin, their most versatile player and a Pro Bowl kick returner, went to the doctor on Friday while dealing with migraine headaches.

Coach Leslie Frazier said he was optimistic that Peterson will be able to play after he practiced on a limited basis Friday.

"We're still going to take him out on Sunday morning, just to see how he moves around, make sure he's confident in what he has to do to play in the game," Frazier said. "He did a much better job than we thought he would today, so we're optimistic."

It's not quite as clear-cut for Hutchinson, who did not practice all week and is trying to figure out how effective he can be with a cast on his right hand. Harvin, receiver Greg Lewis (concussion) and defensive end Ray Edwards (high ankle sprain) all will be game-time decisions as well.

Frazier said Harvin got the migraine, which has been a recurring problem for him for most of his adult life, during practice on Wednesday and will be evaluated further Saturday. He hasn't missed a game this season despite having the headaches several times during the week of practice.

"I don't know if it's any worse than what it has been in the past," Frazier said. "We had episodes along the way over of the course of his time here. We just have to continue to deal with it and hopefully manage it as we go forward."

If Hutchinson cannot play, rookie fifth-round pick Chris DeGeare would get the first start of his career.

Peterson was injured in the second quarter on Sunday at Washington, and rookie Toby Gerhart responded with the best game of his career, rushing for 76 yards and his first touchdown in the 17-13 win.

"If he's able to go, he would definitely start," Frazier said of Peterson. "Now, what his workload would be would be determined by what he tells us, how he's feeling."

Cornerback Chris Cook was ruled out, with team doctors wanting him to rest both knees. The rookie tore the meniscus in both knees earlier this year.

"Just advice that we got from the doctors where he needs to rest," Frazier said. "He needs to get off his legs, so that's what we're going to do. Try to get him back next week."


Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press