Adrian Peterson is working his way back into playing shape.
The Vikings star is taking part in his first team practices since last September. He acknowledged to NFL Network's Marshall Faulk that the initial practices presented some physical challenges to his 30-year-old body.
"I kind of started off slow the first practice, 9-on-7," he explained Tuesday at Vikings camp. "It was decent but really didn't feel as explosive as I would have liked so I kind of had to grind, normally I do my hulk, little grind, wake myself up and felt a little spark and kind of got back into the groove. After that I feel pretty good.
"That hunger is there. I'm sure as we go through camp, get these pads on, it'll just wake up even more."
Peterson's on-field rust is understandable. He hasn't played a snap since Week 1 of the 2014 season. He kept his body fit in the offseason with workouts that left teammate Mike Wallace astounded by the running back's physical ability.
Peterson has repeatedly stated his goal is to rush for 2,500 yards this season. Faulk asked Peterson what he has in store for the NFL after his extended layoff.
"I don't know if I could put it in words," he said. "What I envision is something the eyes haven't seen before. I feel good, got a great team surrounding me as well. Keeping God first and staying on that path, I feel the sky's the limit and it could be my best season thus far."
Faulk's full interview with Peterson can be seen on Wednesday's edition of NFL Total Access at 8 p.m. ET.
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