Running back Adrian Peterson, the Vikings rookie sensation, missed last week’s game against the Raiders because of a torn lateral collateral knee ligament and is an extreme longshot to be able to return to face the Giants.
He practiced yesterday on a limited basis.
“We’ll know more as we go ahead,” Vikings coach Brad Childress said. “I don’t ever expectation-wise put anything past that kid and I don’t think he holds himself back expectation-wise, either.”
Peterson’s status is a huge deal, because he’s no ordinary first-year player.
Peterson leads the NFL in rushing with 1,081 yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry, including an NFL-record 296 yards against the Chargers. Chester Taylor, who stepped in and rushed for 164 yards in last week’s 29-22 victory over the Raiders, is a quality back, but Peterson has been special.
“I have seen enough of him on film that I understand that this could be a really good break, a lucky break for us,” Michael Strahan said.
*
Reggie Torbor, who is working with the starting defense, is the replacement for Mathias Kiwaunka at strong side linebacker.
Tom Coughlin said he was impressed with Torbor’s play filling in when Kiwanuka went down on the second play of the game in Detroit, a 16-10 Giants win.
Gerris Wilkinson also will work on the strong side.
*
FS Gibril Wilson has a sore knee that kept him out of yesterday’s practice. “We don’t want to do anything to set him back,” Coughlin said. . . . Rookie WR Steve Smith re-aggravated his strained hamstring while running early in practice which should be viewed as a setback. “I just know I’m not ready to go yet,” said Smith, who will miss his ninth straight game.
For Vikings, CB Antoine Winfield (hamstring) and FB Tony Richardson (knee) did not practice. . . . DE Michael Strahan yesterday turned 36. . . . Players have a normal morning schedule today and then will be excused earlier than usual for Thanksgiving.