Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson could be out for the season after he confirmed plans to undergo surgery on his torn meniscus.
Peterson, who left the field injured during the Vikings’ 17-14 win over the Packers on Sunday, told ESPN he had a “bucket handle tear” of the meniscus, which typically has a minimum recovery time of three to four months. “[I’m] doing it with faith and optimism,” Peterson said.
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer admitted Peterson could miss the rest of the season, but said the team wouldn’t know for certain until a doctor assesses the damage on Thursday. “Everything is possible,” Zimmer said. “Could be season-ending. Could be three weeks, four weeks. Who knows?”
Peterson twisted his knee at the end of a five-yard run on Sunday. His right foot seemed to stick under the leg of Kyler Fackrell as the Packers linebacker tackled him to the ground. Peterson left with 3:32 to play in the third quarter.
Peterson, the 2015 NFL rushing leader, limped from the field with the help of the Vikings’ support staff. After being examined on the sideline, Peterson hopped through a field-level club at the team’s new stadium toward the Vikings’ locker room. He was later seen using crutches with a large black brace around the knee.
The 31-year-old tore both his ACL and his MCL in 2011 after a heavy tackle from Washington’s DeJon Gomes, but he returned to rush for 2,097 yards in the 2012 regular season to win league MVP honors.
The Vikings are currently 2-0 and stand in first place in the NFC North.
