FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 7/28/2014 5:16pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said he is looking forward to playing in the team's new offense because it is more versatile than the one the team had been using for the last several seasons. 'Let's call it what it is: I thought in the past, we've been predictable,' Peterson said. 'I'm sure you guys wrote stories about us being predictable the past seven years. You won't be able to write that story this year. That's pretty much all I'm saying. You won't be able to do that, because this offense is so versatile.'

Huddle Up: Peterson is basically saying Norv Turner is a major upgrade over former OC Bill Musgrave, which is 100 percent correct. The Vikings have more talent on offense than some are giving them credit for and the addition of Turner will help them improve on that side of the ball. Many Minnesota offensive players like WR Greg Jennings (Round 13 ADP) are being undervalued heading into the season.

Posted: 7/18/2014 5:16pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson will reportedly have some of his carries converted into catches as the team wants to use him more in space and alleviate his wear and tear.

Huddle Up: Norv Turner's backs have caught passes, so there's no reason to think getting the ball to AP in space isn't a key component of his offensive game plan in Minnesota. Don't expect Peterson to be Roger Craig, but the thought of AP in the open field with just one man to run over, around, or through is definitely appealing to fantasy owners.

Posted: 6/19/2014 3:08pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has no plans to be done playing football by the time the team opens their new stadium in 2016. His current contract runs through the 2017 season, but he's the only running back in the league with a salary cap hit of more than $10 million this year, and the team could cut him without a cap penalty after next year.

Huddle Up: Peterson remains the preeminent RB in a passing-dominated league, but we have to wonder if we've already seen the best of AD with the RB having logged 2,239 total touches in 7 seasons.

Posted: 5/1/2014 11:39pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) said he is at "about 80 percent" right now and is spending time working on strength and balance.

Huddle Up: Peterson followed up his 2,097-yard 2012 season with a 1,266-yard effort this past year, but he remains among the top handful of fantasy RBs.

Posted: 4/13/2014 4:22pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson could be used more in passing plays this season with the departure of RB Toby Gerhart.

Huddle Up: AD has averaged 29 catches and 242 receiving yards over his 7 seasons in Minny and was right about at his average last year with 29-171-1. That could certainly change, though, with new OC Norv Turner taking the Purple reins.

Posted: 4/10/2014 12:37am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) is close to full strength and plans on participating in offseason workouts when he does get back to full strength. There is no timetable for his return.

Huddle Up: Given what he's recovered from in the past there's little reason to worry about Peterson or his availability this offseason. However, it'll be a new offense with potentially a new quarterback so a few reps wouldn't hurt before he hits the ground running in August.

Posted: 2/1/2014 10:08am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) is recovering from groin surgery and already taking part in upper body workouts. 'I would probably be back working (out already if not for the surgery, but) not too much. It's not going to interfere,' Peterson said. 'I'm still able to do some of the upper body exercises and things like that, but kind of laying off the lower body workouts.'

Huddle Up: Peterson looked noticeably trimmer in his Super Bowl-week appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show", but given his ability to recover from injury there's no doubting his availability for offseason workouts or, more importantly, the start of the 2014 season.

Posted: 1/24/2014 11:21pm et

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman once again suggested that the team won't trade RB Adrian Peterson under any circumstance. 'Adrian is not going anywhere,' Spielman said. 'We have him under contract. He's the face of our franchise. He is a blue-chip player. And we have a new coaching staff in place, and (the Vikings are) very excited about what's coming ahead for us.' Spielman expects Peterson to make a full recovery from his minor groin surgery this week.

Huddle Up: The Vikings could have saved some money by trading Peterson now, because the Minnesota fan base would have burned down the Metrodome for them. If the franchise wants fannies in the seat when the new stadium opens in a couple years, they're going to want Peterson on the roster.

Posted: 1/23/2014 1:35pm et

Updating an earlier report, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) will have a 4-to-6-week recovery period from the groin surgery he had Thursday, Jan. 23.

Huddle Up: Many readers are cringing at the mere mention of it, but Peterson should be good to go if needed by OTAs, let alone the season itself.

Posted: 1/18/2014 9:51pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) will see a specialist about his groin next week. Surgery is a possibility.

Huddle Up: This injury has been an issue for Peterson since at least the middle of his 2,097-yard season of 2013. Surgery now would give him more time to recover and be back on the field for offseason work with Minnesota's new coaching staff.

Posted: 12/28/2013 5:37pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin, foot) has been downgraded to out for Week 17.

Huddle Up: The Vikings are wisely holding out an injured Peterson in a meaningless game. Matt Asiata will get the start against Detroit. He'll need some short touchdown opportunities to have fantasy value.

Posted: 12/27/2013 3:53pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot, groin) said his groin is still bothering him more than his sprained right foot. 'If he could play, just like last week, he'd be out there,' head coach Leslie Frazier said. 'If we felt like he was ready to go, he'd be out there.' Frazier said Peterson won't be able to talk his way into the lineup in Week 17 unless something dramatically changes.

Huddle Up: Matt Asiata will get the start on Sunday with both Peterson and Toby Gerhart out. Asiata scored three short touchdowns in his last start against Philadelphia but only managed 1.7 yards per carry. He's obviously a touchdown or bust fantasy play.

Posted: 12/26/2013 11:26pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot) was limited in practice Thursday, Dec. 26.

Huddle Up: Peterson at least got in some limited work after sitting out entirely Wednesday. See if the progress continues Friday.

Posted: 12/25/2013 11:30pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin, foot) did not take part in the practice session Wednesday, Dec. 25.

Huddle Up: Peterson is just getting a day of rest. There's a chance the Vikings could hold him out of the season finale because he isn't 100 percent healthy but expect Peterson to play Sunday against Detroit.

Posted: 12/25/2013 5:15pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot, groin) said he is not feeling as healthy as he would like but hopes to be able to play Week 17.

Huddle Up: It's tough to trust Peterson at this point, who just hasn't gotten things going since he was injured. The Bengals won't likely be sitting starters this week either, with playoff seeding on the line.

Posted: 12/24/2013 5:57pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin, foot) did not partipcate in practice Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Huddle Up: Peterson remains a question mark for Week 17 but a determination won't be coming until later in the week.

Posted: 12/23/2013 11:54pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said the team will monitor RB Adrian Peterson (groin, foot) during practice this week to determine if he will be able to play Week 17.

Huddle Up: Peterson was pulled in the second half of the Week 16 loss to the Bengals after gaining 45 yards on 11 carries, and his fantasy owners are obviously are going to monitor daily updates coming out of the Twin Cities this week.

Posted: 12/23/2013 12:09pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot, groin) was pulled from the game early in the second half of Week 16. 'We got down early, and he pulled me out,' Peterson said. 'I didn't like it, but when you think about it, being down 28 points, is the risk really worth it? I just accepted it for what it was.'

Huddle Up: Peterson was upset about sitting out Week 15 and determined to play through Week 16, but with the game heading the wrong direction for the Vikings and Peterson not at 100 percent it made sense for him to take an early seat.

Posted: 12/20/2013 6:19pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot) returned to practice in a limited fashion Friday, Dec. 20, but is questionable for Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals. 'Based on what we saw (Wednesday), we should be fine. Unless something comes up that I don't foresee, he should be ready to go,' head coach Leslie Frazier said. Peterson said he is regaining strength in his foot and he feels better. Frazier is optimistic that RB Toby Gerhart (hamstring) will play, too.

Huddle Up: If his Week 15 absence didn't result in your playoff ouster, he should be available for you Sunday in Cincy. Just don't forget to double-check Sunday morning.

Posted: 12/19/2013 10:56pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot) was held out of practice Thursday, Dec. 19, to get treatment on his foot, according to head coach Leslie Frazier. 'Based on what we saw (Wednesday), we should be fine. Unless something comes up that I don't foresee, he should be ready to go,' Frazier said.

Huddle Up: If his absence last week didn't doom you -- i.e. maybe you gambled and hit the jackpot on Matt Asiata and his 3 TDs -- it looks as if you'll have AD back in the fantasy fold this Sunday.

Posted: 12/18/2013 7:17pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot) was limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Huddle Up: Peterson is hoping to return this week against Cincinnati. He'll be a RB1 for Fantasy Super Bowls if he suits up.

Posted: 12/18/2013 2:32pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said RB Adrian Peterson (foot, groin) will take part in practice Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Huddle Up: Huzzah!

Posted: 12/16/2013 2:41pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said he believes RB Adrian Peterson (foot, groin) will be able to play Week 16.

Huddle Up: Don't even bother with Matt Asiata except as a handcuff. It looks like he will be a one-week wonder.

Posted: 12/12/2013 4:52pm et

Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said the team is in wait-and-see mode on RBs Adrian Peterson (foot) and Toby Gerhart (hamstring) for Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the team isn't optimistic that either back will be able to play. "No, not at this stage. We're getting Matt Asiata ready to roll," Musgrave said.

Huddle Up: Neither back has practiced this week, and if you wisely own both, you need to start prepping for Plan C.

Posted: 12/11/2013 1:57pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot) is out of his walking boot and will attempt to practice Friday, Dec. 13. However, the team is more optimistic that RB Toby Gerhart (hamstring) will be able to play in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles than Peterson. Peterson will have to practice Friday in order to play Sunday.

Huddle Up: It sounds like Peterson has a shot to play, but a long one. We will know on Friday, it seems.

Posted: 12/10/2013 11:11am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot) will not need surgery on his sprained right foot, but he is unlikely to play in Week 15. He has a mid-foot sprain, and an MRI showed no damage or risk of a Lisfranc injury. Peterson still says he plans to play, but Peterson will have to spend time in a walking boot and prove he can run once he gets out of the boot.

Huddle Up: You don't want to bet against Peterson, but you also have to believe the Vikings will do the smart thing and hide AP's helmet so he can't play. Problem is, Toby Gerhart is nursing a tweaked hamstring so Minnesota might be forced to roll with Matt Asiata as their primary ballcarrier this week. Stay tuned.

Posted: 12/9/2013 3:20pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot) said an MRI exam on his sprained foot has shown no ligament tears, and he also ruled out a Lisfranc injury. Peterson will undergo a CT scan but expects to play in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Huddle Up: Peterson is definitely Wolverine. This news is borderline miraculous for the Purple Jesus and his fantasy owners.

Posted: 12/8/2013 9:51pm et

Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (foot) is being diagnosed with a foot sprain, not an ankle injury as previously reported. Peterson is scheduled to undergo an MRI Monday, Dec. 9. X-rays after the Week 14 game against the Baltimore Ravens were negative. Peterson said Sunday, Dec. 8, that he does not believe the injury is of the season-ending variety. 'Not at all. You should've seen me in here, trying to get back out there,' Peterson said. 'I kept my pads on throughout most of the third quarter, until I finally was like, 'I'm not going to be able to go'.'

Huddle Up: This doesn't look good for the rest of Peterson's season. Unless the injury is quite mild, a foot sprain likely means he is done for at least the next couple of weeks. Watch his status throughout the week.

Posted: 12/8/2013 5:27pm et

Updating an ongoing story, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) is back on the sidelines in street clothes.

Huddle Up: Hopefully this is a good sign for Peterson. He will obviously need to be monitored throughout the week.

Posted: 12/4/2013 5:41pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Huddle Up: This is familiar ground for Peterson this season. Nothing to worry about unless this continues the rest of the week.

Posted: 11/29/2013 9:14pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 29, and is probable for Week 13.

Huddle Up: Peterson isn't 100 percent but he won't need to be Sunday to shred the Bears' last ranked rush defense. Owners should expect another big day out of AP.

Posted: 11/28/2013 6:59pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 28.

Huddle Up: That's 2 missed practices in 2 days for AD, but there are no serious indications that he is in any danger of missing the tasty Week 13 matchup against the Bears' D, which surrenders the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing fantasy RBs.

Posted: 11/27/2013 3:23pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) did not practice Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Huddle Up: It sounds like this is just a regular day off for Peterson, who is nursing that groin injury. His matchup could not be better this week.

Posted: 11/22/2013 6:00pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) was limited in practice Friday, Nov. 22, and is questionable for Week 12.

Huddle Up: Peterson returned to do some work Friday after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday, and should play. That means he'll be started by 90 percent or so of his fantasy owners, but Peterson said the injury was an issue last week in his sub-par showing in Seattle (21 rushes- 65 yards) and it could keep his numbers down again Sunday in Green Bay.

Posted: 11/21/2013 6:06pm et

Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 21. Peterson, however, says he expects to play Week 12 vs. the Packers.

Huddle Up: That's 2 missed practices in 2 days for AD, who also didn't look himself in rushing for only 65 yards on 21 carries in Week 11 and finishing a game without a reception or TD for the first time this season. Of course you're starting him if he plays but your fantasy expectations might need to be tempered until Peterson gets healthier.

Posted: 11/18/2013 11:50am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin) said he was bothered by his groin injury in Week 11. 'Actually, it was bothering me a lot,' Peterson said. 'There were a couple plays in the first half, oh man, I knew if I was able to explode the way I normally do I could have gotten some big chunks, even taken it to the house.'

Huddle Up: Peterson needs to average about 275 yards per game to reach his preseason goal of 2,500 yards. Since that's only a little less likely than the Vikings bouncing back to make the playoffs, there may be less reason to push an injured Peterson; as such, Toby Gerhart would be not just an important insurance policy but potentially a valuable fantasy contributor down the stretch. Keep in mind that Gerhart is a free agent following the season, so he could be auditioning for a full-time feature back gig somewhere else in 2014.

Posted: 11/15/2013 1:33pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson does not want to be traded but understands if the team considers it as part of their rebuilding project. 'I definitely wouldn't mind playing here,' Peterson said. 'I feel like we have the right pieces, and we can continue to get some more pieces as well to help build this team and make us even stronger. ... So, no, (I don't want to go elsewhere).' He's averaging 4.5 yards per carry this season and has 10 touchdowns.

Huddle Up: Peterson continues to produce in spite of the QB circus and a sagging defense in the Twin Cities and once again is among the top fantasy RBs, ranking third through 10 weeks with 155 points (Huddle Performance scoring).

Posted: 10/24/2013 4:13pm et

Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has been dealing with a right hamstring injury for four or five weeks. It started as a bruise, but he's not worried that he'll have to miss any time. Peterson ran for just 28 yards on 13 carries in Week 7 against the New York Giants. 'I feel like it was more in my mind. It's strange to say that, but I think I was kind of holding myself back, not being able to stretch out and really run. I think I was kind of hindering myself. Now that I'm able to be more relaxed and got a clearer mind, I think I'll be able to go out there and roll full-speed.'

Huddle Up: Peterson has definitely hit a lull with a combined 90 rushing yards on 23 carries and no TDs over the past 2 games, and it could prove tough getting untracked Sunday night against a Green Bay D that's allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs.

Posted: 10/24/2013 12:22am et

Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (hamstring) said Wednesday, Oct. 23, that he could feel his right hamstring during the Week 7 game against the New York Giants Monday, Oct. 21. He added it wasn't a huge detriment to his game. While he is expected to see a light workload in practice all week, the injury does not appear to be one that will cause him to miss time.

Huddle Up: Peterson may have been dealing with tightness but the bigger problem was the fact that Josh Freeman was under center and the Vikings only ran the ball eight times in the first half against the Giants. Even AP can't offset terrible playcalling.

Posted: 10/23/2013 6:04pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Huddle Up: Hopefully this is nothing to worry about. Keep an eye on Peterson the rest of the week.

Posted: 10/22/2013 12:49am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson carried just 13 times for 28 yards in the Week 7 game against the New York Giants Monday, Oct. 21, and he added two receptions for 28 yards.

Huddle Up: With the Giants quickly deducing that new starting QB Josh Freeman wasn't a threat, they stacked the box and ganged up on AD, resulting in his fourth-worst career regular-season rushing performance in a game in which he logged 10 or more carries. It's Peterson, though, and they'll be better days ahead, so just chalk this one up as a lost cause all around.

Posted: 10/19/2013 2:51pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (hamstring) is participating in practice Saturday, Oct. 19.

Huddle Up: Peterson was held out of practice on Friday but he's going to start on Sunday. Fantasy owners don't need to worry about AP's status.

Posted: 10/11/2013 3:13pm et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (personal) said he will play in the team's Week 6 game. 'I will be playing Sunday. Focused. Ready to roll,' Peterson said.

Huddle Up: Peterson's two-year old son was beaten by the man dating the child's mother. While our thoughts are with Peterson and his family at this time, AP is in no danger of missing Sunday's game against Carolina.

Posted: 10/11/2013 11:29am et

Updating previous reports, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson's 2-year-old son is in critical condition after he was allegedly severely beaten by his mother's boyfriend. Joseph Patterson, 27, has been arrested and charged with felony assault and battery of an infant. Law enforcement sources say the child suffered severe head injuries.

Huddle Up: Peterson missed Thursday's practice to be with his son at the hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Thoughts and prayers with Peterson and his family.

Posted: 10/11/2013 11:25am et

Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson is dealing with a family member that has a very serious medical issue.

Huddle Up: Peterson missed Thursday's practice and was reported to be in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to deal with the issue, which according to published reports may ultimately become a police matter. The Vikings have indicated they expect Peterson to return for Friday's practice.

Posted: 8/18/2013 11:35pm et

Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said RB Adrian Peterson will play in the team's third preseason game Sunday, Aug. 25 vs. the San Francisco 49ers but will not play into the third quarter.

Huddle Up: Fantasy GMs who own the first pick in upcoming drafts will be able to tune into NBC's Sunday Night Football next week and scout their likely pick making his preseason debut against one of the league's best D's.

Posted: 8/15/2013 11:21am et

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson is expected to see action sometime during the preseason, but head coach Leslie Frazier wasn't exactly sure when that will be. However, he did narrow it down to either the preseason game Friday, Aug. 16, against the Buffalo Bills, or the third preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. "Between this week and next week would be the time we're going to play him, if we play him in the preseason," Frazier said Wednesday, Aug. 14. "We want to do something in these next couple of weeks."

Huddle Up: If the Vikings indeed follow through and give Peterson some preseason snaps, expect it to be limited to a series or two. He'll get plenty of work once the games start to count.