Adrian Peterson has not had a carry in a preseason game since 2011. The Minnesota Vikings' star running back says it's time for that to change.
"I feel like getting out there and playing a little bit," Peterson said in a phone interview with the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "It's something that once that time comes around, I'll have a better feel for, like, 'Hey, I need to get out there just to kind of get the legs moving and get the pads (on) a little bit.' I can tell you, though, I'm definitely more itching towards playing a little more in the preseason than I have the past seven, eight years."
Peterson missed 15 games of the 2014 season due to a child-abuse charge and made his return to the field in the Vikings' 2015 season opener. Peterson had a mere 10 carries for 31 yards in Minnesota's 20-3 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
"Well, to be honest with you, I think in last year's case, after sitting out a year, it would have helped a little bit (playing in the preseason)," Peterson said. "But I think like (10) carries against San Francisco, that's not going to allow your best player to get off to a great start anyway. ... I am calling for (playing in the 2016 preseason)."
We'll see if Vikings coach Mike Zimmer and Co. answer Peterson's call come August.