One of Adrian Peterson's sons passed away Friday. The 2-year-old died of injuries from an aggravated assault Wednesday, Sioux Falls police confirmed to NFL Media.
The accused attacker, Joseph Robert Patterson, 27, was charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery of an infant in Sioux Falls, S.D., police spokesman Sam Clemens said. Patterson was in a relationship with the child's mother at the time, Clemens said.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on NFL Network's "NFL GameDay Morning" that Peterson will play for the Minnesota Vikingsagainst the Carolina Panthers. The team later announced Peterson is active.
In light of the boy's death, the charges against Patterson will be reviewed and additional changes will be added next week, said Lincoln County State's Attorney Tom Wollman. Patterson is being held in the Minnehaha County Jail on $750,000 cash bond.
Clemens told NFL Media earlier Friday that the child was in critical condition after sustaining head injuries that appeared to be consistent with abuse. Police did not name the boy, but Peterson and his father, Nelson, both spoke Friday about the terrible situation.
"Thank you to my family, my fans and fans of other teams for their support," Peterson wrote on Twitter. "The NFL is a fraternity of brothers and I am thankful for the tweets, phone calls and text messages from my fellow players. God Bless everyone and thank u so much."
Peterson missed practice Thursday, but the running back returned to the Minnesota Vikings' facility Friday. He indicated to the media that he planned to play in Sunday's game. Peterson's comments to the media came before news of his son's passing became public.
"I should start off by saying I really appreciate all the support that I've been receiving from fans (and) the Vikings organization," Peterson said Friday afternoon. "This is a private matter, and I would ask you all to please just respect my privacy and not ask at all about the situation at hand. Thanks."
The news is absolutely heartbreaking. We send our condolences to Peterson and his family at this unimaginable time.
