Adrian Peterson officially will play today against the Carolina Panthers.

Peterson is not among the team's inactives. Peterson's 2-year-old son died on Friday from injuries sustained in an assault that police say was committed by the boyfriend of the child's mother.

Peterson told reporters on Friday that he would play "without a doubt."

New quarterback Josh Freeman will be inactive. Freeman received a crash course on the offense this week but he wasn't ready to play. Matt Cassel will start with Christian Ponder serving as his backup.

The other inactives are safety Mistral Raymond, linebacker Gerald Hodges, linebacker Audie Cole, offensive guard Jeff Baca, defensive tackle Chase Baker and defensive end Justin Trattou.

Kicker Blair Walsh is active after being listed as questionable because of a hamstring injury. Tight end Rhett Ellison (knee) also will play after missing two games.