Will Adrian Peterson be in uniform for the Minnesota Vikings in their season opener? You'll have to wait to find out.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said Thursday night he expects Peterson will be a game-time decision for Week 1, according to The Star Tribune.
"We've got a lot of things we want to get done with him this week, and I doubt that we would know without getting him through an entire week if we thought he was ready to play in a football game," Frazier said, according to a quote sheet distributed by the Houston Texansafter the Vikings' 28-24 preseason loss. "We need to take him through some more things this week."
Peterson was hit in practice for the first time Monday, lifting the no-touching rules previously in effect at Vikings camp. It was a small but notable step forward in the recovery process for the four-time Pro Bowl selection, who had reconstructive knee surgery Dec. 30.
The question now becomes if that small victory will allow Peterson to transition to live game action Sept. 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Frazier opted to hold Peterson out of all four preseason games, a sign the team was pulling back the reins on what has been an aggressive rehab timetable.
That the Vikings haven't ruled Peterson out for Week 1 leaves the door open for the running back to complete what's been an impressive road to recovery.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
