Zero.

Zero touchdowns, zero rushes, zero yards, zero snaps. That's how Adrian Peterson's stat line reads for this year's four game preseason session. While every single one of his teammates was out on the field getting into game shape for this weekend's season opener, Adrian stayed on the sidelines simply observing.

But there wasn't any nagging injuries pushing him to the side, there was no differing viewpoint with the coaching staff. Nope, it was just the plan from the beginning to keep Peterson sidelined throughout the exhibition season.

This idea isn't anything new for the rookie coaching staff. In each of the previous two seasons, Adrian has had the same empty stat line through the preseason.

"It's been a long time coming," Peterson said this week. "For me even more so, not participating in the preseason…The first couple years [of sitting out] it was hard. I'm a savvy vet now so I understand the big scheme."

The idea behind this concept is to protect him. Keep any and all needless wear and tear off his body and he should last longer. Seems to make sense.

"I've been in the league for a long time," Peterson continued. "Preseason, there's a lot that comes with that, wear and tear on the body and taking chances as well. We'd just rather not take any chances. We'll take chances, but take them in the regular season when it counts."

So, with no in-game practice, no contact and no full speed play, what can we expect from that man that we so affectionately call "the best running back in the league" when he takes to the football field for the first time this year against the Rams on Sunday?

If history is any indicator, Adrian isn't missing much by sitting out of the preseason.

In seasons where he hasn't seen any carries during the preseason (2012, 2013), Adrian is averaging 88.5 yards per game in the first week of the year. He also has five touchdowns over those two games and is averaging over 5 yards per carry (5.06).

Extend that out to full season statistics in years where he has no preseason activity and Peterson is averaging 1,681.5 yards per year in those seasons. That's more than 300 yards better than in seasons where he has played the preseason (1,350.4 yards).

But what about against this week's opponent, the St. Louis Rams?

Admittedly, this year's Rams squad is a different bunch than the group that Peterson most recently faced in 2012, but there are a few hangovers. That said, the last time Adrian took the field against St. Louis it was a Week 15 matchup in which Adrian ran wild for 212 yards including a career long 82-yard touchdown run.

"I remember that game," Peterson said earlier this week. "From the secondary on down, those guys were talking so much noise. Then we ripped the long run on them and they got quiet. Hopefully things play out the same way [this year]."

AP also remembered getting off to a fast start last year in the Vikings week one matchup against the Detroit Lions. On his first carry of the 2013 season (again, zero preseason reps), Adrian cracked off a 78-yard touchdown run!

For what it's worth, Adrian is predicting the same sort of success this weekend against the Rams.

"Touchdown, first run," Peterson told us with a smile on his face.

It's now the third year of Adrian being confined to the sidelines during the preseason and just like AP is finally figuring out the value in it, it appears that the fans are learning as well.

It goes without saying that we would all like to see Adrian on the field as much as possible during any point in the season. But if this week's opponent, the St. Louis Rams, can teach us anything, understanding the balance of the risk and reward for playing during preseason is an important medium to find. They lost their starting quarterback Sam Bradford to a season ending ACL injury during this preseason.

But if there was still any doubt remaining in your mind, hopefully Adrian's highlighted track record of success can provide a little added comfort as well. He will be fine. He's a professional, and he's still the best running back in the league.

So what do you think Adrian Peterson will do in Week 1 against the Rams? CLICK HERE to let us know and join the conversation now!

Kick off the 2014 season this Monday with the VikesCentric crew and we'll buy you a beer! CLICK HERE for more details!

Are you registered with VikingsJournal.com yet? Great content, great conversation and an opportunity for you to have your own FREE blog! CLICK HERE to join in on the fun today!