Adrian Peterson to have surgery, could be sidelined for months

We’ve seen Adrian Peterson beat medical expectations before, so he could be back from meniscus surgery faster than we think.

But there’s a danger that the Minnesota Vikings running back will be out for a long time.

ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that Peterson will have surgery to repair his meniscus, which he injured Sunday night against the Green Bay Packers. And the surgery for the “bucket handle tear” could keep him out “a minimum of three-to-four months” and it’s a procedure that usually takes six months to recover from, Anderson reported.

If Anderson’s timetable is accurate then the best Peterson could hope for is returning in mid-December. And it’s possible he could miss the rest of the season. USA Today’s Tom Pelissero said Peterson and the Vikings are “holding out hope for a playoff return.”Later on Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Scheffter reported a gloomier picture for Peterson:

In addition to have torn meniscus, Adrian Peterson also has a torn lateral collateral ligament, team source tells @JeffDarlington and me.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2016

So there's more damage to Adrian Peterson knee than previously thought, making it even more difficult for him to return this season.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2016

 

No matter what, Peterson will miss significant time after surgery, which is slated for Thursday. He tore his ACL on Dec. 24, 2011 and was back for the season opener the following season. He rushed for 2,097 yards that season, his career best. So if you want to be incredibly optimistic, that’s what you point to.

The problem is, Peterson is 31 now. He slowed way down at the end of last season, and he had a slow start this season before the injury. There’s no guarantee he returns quickly this time around, and there’s no guarantee he’s the elite back we’re used to seeing if he does return. Until he does return Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon will likely split time.

The Vikings lost their starting quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, before the season and traded for Sam Bradford. Now Peterson is likely out for a major portion of the season. There’s no trade the Vikings can make to replace him.