Today's Vikings practice has just ended at Winter Park. And the reports from coach Leslie Frazier are that Adrian Peterson seemed to fare quite well in his first return to action since suffering a high ankle sprain 18 days ago against Oakland. Peterson was only a limited participant in today's practice but showed some encouraging signs with his ability to move around and cut.

Following practice, Frazier offered a comprehensive report on Peterson's work today.

"He's headed in the right direction," Frazier said. "Far more improved than he was a week ago. So we're encouraged by his work. … He had trouble before planting and cutting. He was much better doing that today. That was one of our concerns. Because we all know, he's one of those guys who runs hard and he'll stop on a dime and cut in any direction. He was able to do that today without pain. So that was encouraging. We'll see how he does tomorrow, how he feels when he wakes up tomorrow morning."

Frazier was asked if he has sensed the always-restless Peterson growing more and more eager to get back in the huddle after missing the past two games.

"I know he wants to get out there and play. He's closer," Frazier said. "We'll just have to see how he feels tomorrow, if there are any side effects from working out today after having such a long layoff."

The Vikings coach also shied away from declaring that Peterson would need to be 100 percent to play Sunday.

"What is 100 percent for him?" Frazier asked. "He's played in a lot of games at less than 100 percent and played extremely well. So we'll have to make sure tomorrow that he can do the things he needs to do if he's going to play in the game Sunday. We'll make that determination after watching him move around again."

All that said, the Vikings coach continues to promise that he's taking a very cautious approach with Peterson's return, not wanting to rush him back before absolutely certain Peterson can handle the workload.

"With all of our players, you don't want to put him at risk," Frazier said. "If a guy's not really able to protect himself and do the things you ask him to do, whether that's Adrian Peterson or DeMarcus Love or whoever, you don't want to put guys at risk. You have to be wise in that way."