FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 5/3/2013 4:05pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said he has set out a goal to rush for 2,500 yards. "I've got my bar set for 2,500. If I could go up to that the record is shattered," Peterson said. In order to reach his goal, Peterson would have to average 156.25 yards over 16 games. He averaged 131 yards last season, topping 156 yards five times.

Huddle Up: Well, they say it's the second year after ACL surgery before a player is back up to speed. So if AD averaged 131 a game at less than 100 percent last year, who's to say he cant hit 2,500? Either way he'll be the first player off the board in every fantasy redraft league.

Posted: 2/7/2013 9:42pm et

The Minnesota Vikings announced Thursday, Feb. 7, that RB Adrian Peterson had sports-hernia surgery. The team expects a speedy recovery with no long-term concerns.

Huddle Up: We were surprised to hear it wasn't back or shoulder surgery after AD carried the Vikings all season.

Posted: 2/3/2013 12:51pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson is the first running back to capture the league's Most Valuable Player award since former NFL RB LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006.

Huddle Up: It remains a passing league, even if AD's numbers and accomplishments were simply too outstanding to overlook in the MVP race this past season.

Posted: 2/2/2013 9:32pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has won the 2012 National Football League Most Valuable Player award.

Huddle Up: Carrying a team on your back and coming within single-digit yardage of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record should earn you some hardware--especially when you accomplish all of the above within a year of having your knee surgically repaired.

Posted: 1/27/2013 11:14pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said he believes that he will win the Most Valuable Player award this season.

Huddle Up: Peyton Manning had a great first season in the Mile High City, but AD appears to have all the MVP momentum with less than a week to go before the award announcement.

Posted: 1/27/2013 12:57pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB OT Phil Loadholt is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March. RB Adrian Peterson said he would talk to general manager Rick Spielman and the team's other decision-makers about the importance of re-signing Loadholt. 'I'll probably talk to 'em, just to get that guy in,' Peterson said. 'He's just been improving each year. I'm going to keep my arms around him this offseason as well, just to make sure he's staying on top of this game and he's working out and he's doing the necessary things to make someone want to bring you back as well. So I'll have my toe in somewhere.'

Huddle Up: Lost in the brilliance of Peterson's comeback was the stellar play of the Vikings' offensive line, and just going by the word of someone who should know (Peterson), Loadholt was a big part of that success.

Posted: 1/9/2013 4:05pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson will have his abdomen injury evaluated after the Pro Bowl to see if he will need any surgery.

Huddle Up: Peterson was limited in practice over the final month-plus of the season by an abdominal injury, but no word yet on if he'll need any surgical repairs. More likely they'll just send out for parts and power him down until training camp.

Posted: 1/3/2013 1:48pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (abdomen) is taking part in practice Thursday, Jan. 3.

Huddle Up: AD got a well-deserved break with no practice Tuesday and Wednesday, and will be ready to take on the Packers, against whom he has gained 421 total yards and scored 3 TDs in the 2 regular-season meetings.

Posted: 1/1/2013 10:52pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (abdomen, rest) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Jan. 1.

Huddle Up: If there was ever a player who deserved a practice break, it wasPeterson, who 2 days earlier had a career-high 34 carries for 199 yards to finish with the second-highest single-season rushing total (2,097) in NFL history.

Posted: 12/31/2012 10:48am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson set an NFL record for the most rushing yards in any month with 861 yards in December. Peterson also set a franchise record Sunday for most rushing attempts in a game with 34.

Huddle Up: Just a couple more superlatives to add to Peterson's amazing season, one year to the day since his knee was surgically repaired. AD needs to make sure he has room for at least one more award on his mantle; it starts with an "M" and ends with a "P".

Posted: 12/30/2012 9:05pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson finished just nine yards short of the all-time single-season NFL record for rushing yards, finishing the season with 2,097 yards. Hall of Fame RB Eric Dickerson posted 2,105 yards in 1984. He finished the game with 199 yards and a TD on 34 carries and added a 2-yard scoring catch.

Huddle Up: In fantasy, though, Peterson set a record for most rushing yards gained by a non-first-round pick as he defied all expectations and logic by doing it all on a knee surgically repaired only a year ago. In all AD had 13 TDs and 10 100-yard rushing games -- nine of them coming in the Vikings' final 10 regular-season contests as the team captured the NFC's sixth and final playoff berth. One word to sum it up: Wow.

Posted: 12/28/2012 7:27pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (abdomen) is expected to be at full strength for the team's Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers after missing two practices this week with a strained abdominal muscle. Head coach Leslie Frazier said Peterson 'moved well' in his return to practice Friday, Dec. 28 and is listed as probable. Peterson needs 102 rushing yards to reach 2,000 on the year, and 208 total yards to break the single-season rushing record set by Eric Dickers in 1984. 'I don't think we'll have to go into thinking about having to limit his carries, it'll be full-speed ahead,' Frazier said. 'That's what he wants, that's what our doctors are telling me. He's ready to go.'

Huddle Up: Forget about abdomen injuries and probable designations -- Peterson is primed to put on a show Sunday at Mall of America Field riding plenty of motivation: A 2,000-yard season, Dickerson's record, leading the Vikes to the postseason. In his earlier game against the Pack, AD rumbled for 210 rushing yards and a TD on 21 attempts, and don't be surprised if you see similar numbers come Sunday afternoon.

Posted: 12/27/2012 10:56pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (abdomen) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 27.

Huddle Up: It was the second consecutive missed practice for Peterson, but coach Leslie Frazier and the Vikes insist there are no worries about AD missing Week 17 in his quest for 2,000 yards.

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:46am et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said RB Adrian Peterson will absolutely play in the team's Week 17 game. Peterson was kept out late in Week 16 with soreness.

Huddle Up: The mileage may be wearing on Peterson, but if knee surgery couldn't keep him from his appointed rounds you can bet a little wear and tear won't keep him out of the Vikings' unlikely "win and get in" Week 17 showdown with the Packers. And then there's that little thing about 2,000 yards and a rushing record...

Posted: 12/20/2012 7:13pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (precautionary) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 20.

Huddle Up: Easy, AD owners, it's only a precaution. Right now, in the midst of Peterson's Superman Act, a defense playing with 22 men on the field would only somewhat slow the red-hot RB -- and we're not entirely certain about that.

Posted: 12/16/2012 6:47pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson rushed for 212 yards and one touchdown on 24 carries against the St. Louis Rams in Week 15. He has rushed for career-best 1,812 yards so far this season and is 294 yards shy of the season-season NFL record for rushing yards.

Huddle Up: It was Peterson's second 200-yard game in the past 3 weeks and his eighth straight 100-yard performance in what's certainly becoming a league MVP-worthy season. It's not like opponents don't know what's coming, either, with Christian Ponder throwing for only 131 yards -- his eighth game with fewer than 200 passing yards this season.

Posted: 12/13/2012 6:44pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (abdomen) did not particpate in practice Thursday, Dec. 13.

Huddle Up: Seeing a player go from limited on Wednesday to out Thursday usually is cause for alarm, but remember we're talking about Peterson here, and fantasy owners -- and the Rams' defense -- can expect a full serving of AD on Sunday.

Posted: 12/9/2012 7:54pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries against the Chicago Bears in Week 14.

Huddle Up: It was the seventh consecutive 100-yard rushing game for Peterson, who is on track for a career-high 1,969 rushing yards.

Posted: 11/13/2012 5:57pm et

A misdemeanor resisting arrest charge against Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson was dropped Tuesday, Nov. 13.

Huddle Up: Everything continues to break right for Peterson, who leads the NFL in rushing with 1,128 yards. He gets a well-deserved bye this Sunday as well.

Posted: 11/12/2012 11:56am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson leads the NFL in rushing with 1,128 yards, and he's on pace to gain 1,805 yards this season, which would be a career high. Peterson's current average of 5.8 yards per carry is also a career high, and he's also on pace for a career-high 46 catches this year.

Huddle Up: Peterson has already obliterated the record for most yards within a calendar year of tearing two knee ligaments, so now he can set his sights on personal bests.

Posted: 11/7/2012 10:57pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) practiced in full Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Huddle Up: What sore ankle? AD is on some kind of serious roll with 458 rushing yards and 4 TDs over the past 3 games. However, the Lions and their fifth-ranked fantasy run defense are up next.

Posted: 11/3/2012 12:41am et

The Minnesota Vikings wanted RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) to have some additional rest due to his sprained left ankle, which is why he did not practice Friday, Nov. 2. Peterson, who is listed as probable for the team's Week 9 game against the Seattle Seahawks, worked in the pool and received additional treatment from the team's trainers. He has been bothered by his left ankle injury for the past month. Head coach Leslie Frazier said Peterson resting was purely a precautionary move on their part.

Huddle Up: As usual, Peterson will be ready to go come game time, but the matchup against the rugged Seahawks defense on the road is sure to pose the biggest problem for AD on Sunday. Look for Peterson's 2-game run of 100-yard rushing outings to come to an end.

Posted: 11/2/2012 4:50pm et

Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) is listed as probable for Week 9.

Huddle Up: Updating an earlier report that said Peterson missed practice. This is good news; start with confidence.

Posted: 11/2/2012 2:49pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) missed practice Friday, Nov. 2.

Huddle Up: Hopefully this is just a precaution, but missing practice this late in the week could mean Peterson will miss this weekend's game. Keep an eye on his injury status throughout the weekend.

Posted: 10/24/2012 12:04pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said following Week 7 that he is still not 100 percent back from knee surgery. Peterson believes he still has room to improve as far as his explosiveness is concerned. "Like I said, I'll tell you when I feel like I'm at that mark where I envision myself being," Peterson said. "I feel like I want to say I'm there (to stop the questions). But that would be a lie." Peterson did not practice Tuesday, Oct. 23 due to a tender ankle; however, he said he would be full-go for the team's Week 8 game.

Huddle Up: Those of you who operated under the assumption that 70% of AP was better than 100% of most other backs have been rewarded thus far; even without the explosiveness Peterson has banged out solid production, including last week's 153 yard outburst against the Cardinals.

Posted: 10/23/2012 7:14pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier realized RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) was physically ready for an increased workload heading into Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals, and Peterson responded with 153 yards on 23 carries. 'He asked and I was like, 'Yeah, I'll be ready to roll,' ' Peterson said. 'I thought I had more carries than 23. It kind of felt like it. It was good we were able to come out there and do that, and execute.' Peterson continues to nurse a sore ankle, and he's missed the Vikings' Monday and Tuesday practices. However, Frazier doesn't think the team will need to be cautious with Peterson's workload moving forward.

Huddle Up: The news keeps getting better for fantasy GMs who gambled on Peterson 2 months ago in their drafts.

Posted: 10/22/2012 7:09pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) did not participate in practice Monday, Oct. 22.

Huddle Up: The Vikings have taken it easy with Peterson in practice all season, and if he keeps responding with games like he had in Week 7 (153 yards, TD), there will be no reason to change.

Posted: 10/17/2012 6:33pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) will not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 17, but should be able to play Week 7.

Huddle Up: Peterson has exceeded expectations in terms of coming back well ahead of schedule from his dual knee-ligament tears less than 10 months ago, but his fantasy production still hasn't quite reached his past standards with only 1 100-yard rushing game so far and no TDs since Week 1.

Posted: 10/14/2012 11:27pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) ran 17 times for 79 yards in the Week 6 game against the Washington Redskins, and he added seven receptions for 50 yards. However, after the game, head coach Leslie Frazier said that Peterson's left ankle remains an issue, but didn't seem to affect him too much. 'I don't think it slowed him down. He still ran as hard as he's ever run. He never complained about it,' Frazier said.

Huddle Up: The injury wasn't an issue as Peterson finished with a season-high 129 total yards from scrimmage.

Posted: 10/12/2012 6:50pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 12, and is listed as probable for Week 6.

Huddle Up: As expected, Peterson will be ready at FedEx Field on Sunday, looking for his 2nd 100-year game of the season and seeking to score for the first time since Week 1.

Posted: 10/11/2012 5:40pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) said he expects to play Week 6 even though he still has soreness in his injured ankle.

Huddle Up: As he's demonstrated time and again, Peterson is a true gamer and will play. Meanwhile, his fantasy owners are hoping for TD as Peterson hasn't scored since a Week 1 game against the Jaguars.

Posted: 10/10/2012 6:25pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 10.

Huddle Up: Hopefully this is just precautionary. Peterson tweaked his ankle over the weekend, and he has yet to score a touchdown since Week 1. The Vikings have a nice defensive matchup, a perfect remedy for Peterson's woes if he isn't too banged up.

Posted: 10/8/2012 3:16pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said RB Adrian Peterson should be fine after suffering a mild ankle sprain in Week 5.

Huddle Up: The medical marvel marches on, maybe with a slight limp for a few days.

Posted: 10/8/2012 12:04am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said after the Week 5 game against the Tennessee Titans that he injured one of his ankle on the first of his 17 carries. He still finished with a game-high 88 rushing yards before leaving after three quarters due to the lopsided score. 'The whole game I was fighting through it,' Peterson said. 'The wrong tackle aggravates it, but I got through it.'

Huddle Up: Peterson wasn't about to let an ankle injury slow him down after returning to start in Week 1 in near-superhuman fashion less than 9 months his knee ligament tears last Christmas Eve. Peterson could use a break, but the Vikings' bye week doesn't come until Nov. 18

Posted: 10/4/2012 6:02pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) said his surgically repaired knee is feeling better each week but still has some time to go before it is fully healed. 'I still have a long ways to go on my schedule of being full speed and back and better,' Peterson said.

Huddle Up: Peterson's recovery already has been remarkable with the RB starting every game so far. He's averaging roughly 23 touches and 100 total yards per outing, and if he can pick up his touchdowns (Peterson hasn't scored since rushing for a pair of TDs in Week 1), he'll be challenging for his accustomed spot in the top-5 fantasy RB rankings.

Posted: 9/26/2012 5:41pm et

The Minnesota Vikings have been keeping RB Adrian Peterson's carries between the tackles because his power and quick-cut abilities allow him to pick up yards while his burst is returning. Peterson has been running mostly to his right because he is coming back from left knee surgery.

Huddle Up: The predictability could hamper his fantasy value if defenses begin shading to their left in anticipation of his runs. Perhaps he will pop one to the opposite direction if they are caught off guard.

Posted: 9/19/2012 12:40pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said he has seen significant progress in the last week from RB Adrian Peterson (knee). As a result, Peterson could see more carries in Week 3. 'We think he's getting to that point where we can think about a few more carries,' Frazier said. 'He's getting close to that point, so we'll see how he does this week in practice ... We've been rotating him and Toby every other series, but we're going to see how he does this week in practice.'

Huddle Up: This is unsurprising considering Peterson's relative effectiveness and that he has had no setbacks. The Vikings need All Day. Those who took a gamble by drafting him are being handsomely rewarded.

Posted: 9/13/2012 4:01pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) said he still is lacking some explosion at this point but believes he will be 100 percent in the near future.

Huddle Up: Scary thought after AD compiled 87 total yards from scrimmage and 2 TDs in the Week 1 win over the Jaguars. That was all fantasy owners needed to see as Peterson now has returned to full must-start status.

Posted: 9/12/2012 5:39pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) practiced in full Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Huddle Up: It sounds like Peterson is really back. Just a few days after getting a decent workload, All Day practices in full. Coach Frazier says Peterson is still going to be limited on game day, but he took full advantage of his opportunities where Toby Gerhart did not. Start with confidence.

Posted: 9/12/2012 11:36am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said Tuesday, Sept. 11, he is really close to being at full strength. "I'm at 95 percent," Peterson said. "That sounds like 'he's almost healthy,' but to me that five percent is huge and it's going to make a huge difference so I can't wait until I hit that mark." Peterson added that of that five percent, one percent is dealing with the mental aspect of overcoming a serious knee injury.

Huddle Up: AP looked pretty good in Week 1, scoring twice in his first game action since tearing up his knee last Christmas. Evidently 95% of AP is better than 100% of a whole lot of other backs.

Posted: 9/10/2012 3:24pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said RB Adrian Peterson (knee) has not complained about any soreness or swelling in his knee since the end of the game.

Huddle Up: It took a leap of faith to draft Peterson in 2012, and a huge leap of faith to start him in week one. Those who did should be congratulated. His touches may be limited for the forseeable future, but if he is going to produce like he did in week one on limited carries, Peterson owners look to be in fine shape.

Posted: 9/10/2012 11:13am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson posted 84 yards on the ground in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars to climb to the top of the franchise's all-time yardage mark at 6,836 yards. Former RB Robert Smith previously held the record with 6,818 yards. Peterson also found the end zone twice.

Huddle Up: One of the top Tweets during Sunday's action came from The Fake Football's Chet Gresham, who pointed out that it has been a mere 22,550,400 seconds since AP blew out his knee. Yet there he was in the end zone on Sunday--twice!--and compiling enough yards to pass Smith in the Vikings' record books. Those of you who had enough faith in Peterson's powers of recovery to spend a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick on him, consider yourself rewarded. And set at the running back position.

Posted: 9/8/2012 10:56pm et

Updating a previous report, if Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) is active in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he is expected to see 10-15 carries, according to a team source. An official determination on Peterson's status is not expected to come until after pre-game warmups.

Huddle Up: This sounds about right. Those planning on starting Peterson -- or backup Toby Gerhart for that matter -- will have to play the waiting game, though, Sunday morning.

Posted: 9/7/2012 4:41pm et

Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Sept. 7. He is listed as questionable for Week 1.

Huddle Up: Again, tread with caution. Even if he plays, he will likely be limited to a few carries. Not worth a fantasy start unless you are absolutely desperate.

Posted: 9/5/2012 2:10pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said he has told the defensive players there will be no restrictions on hitting RB Adrian Peterson (knee) during practice Wednesday, Sept. 5. Frazier initially told the players not to hit Peterson at all then had the defenders avoid hitting him below the waist. The team will monitor Peterson's work the next few days and hope to make a decision on his Week 1 status Friday, Sept. 7, or Saturday, Sept. 8.

Huddle Up: It looks like the Vikings might just be crazy enough to let Peterson play in Week 1, but how much? He remains an extremely risky fantasy start as he is eased into action. Even if he goes in Week 1, do not expect a big fantasy output from All Day.

Posted: 9/3/2012 7:31pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said RB Adrian Peterson (knee) will be limited if he is active for Week 1. 'We recognize if he's able to get in this first ball game, it'll be with limited exposure. We'll talk about it as the week goes on and see how he's doing and if it's even a valuable option to let him play,' Frazier said.

Huddle Up: Not exactly shocking news here. Expect Toby Gerhart to get the majority of the touches the first few games of the season as Peterson's receovery continues.

Posted: 8/30/2012 11:56pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) likely will be a game-time decision for Week 1.

Huddle Up: This shouldn't be anything unexpected for Peterson's fantasy owners who have to be ready for some early-season uncertainty. Hopefully, most came away from their drafts with backup Toby Gerhart to ease the transition.

Posted: 8/23/2012 8:38pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) is scheduled to experience contact during practice next week.

Huddle Up: There are no plans to play AD in the team's final 2 exhibition games, but he'll obviously need some contact work if he hopes to play in Week 1.

Posted: 8/23/2012 4:23pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) has reportedly experienced no swelling in his left knee the day after practices, a good sign for the running back as he hopes to be ready for Week 1.

Huddle Up: At this stage of the game, no bad news is good news for the rehabbing stud RB, whose draft stock has been on the rise. As of this update, Peterson's ADP is 22nd overall, 10th among RBs.

Posted: 8/21/2012 8:28pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said RB Adrian Peterson (knee) has had no setbacks in his recovery after the team decided not to use Peterson in any remaining preseason games. 'There are no setbacks. That's not the reason we're doing it,' Frazier said. 'We just feel like more time with him in practice with some of the things that we're doing and the progression of getting him ready for the season, it's the right thing to do.' Frazier isn't guaranteeing that Peterson will play in Week 1, and the team will continue to be cautious with his recovery. He's ahead of schedule, but the team doesn't see harm in continuing to be cautious. Peterson carried the ball 18 times in practice Monday, Aug. 20.

Huddle Up: Fantasy GMs with their eye on AD will only have these comments to go on with drafts coming up fast. As stated earlier, Peterson's risk seems a bit much for a first-round or early-second round pick, but don't expect him to stay on the board too long with all the other uncertainty at the RB position.