Vikings: Peterson expects to grow into role

Adrian Peterson smiled as soon as he knew where the question was going. Polished beyond his 22 years, Peterson spoke honestly but without malice when asked Thursday about the Vikings' decision to leave him out of their final drive in last Sunday's 13-10 loss at Kansas City.

"I am a very competitive person," Peterson said. "But ... I feel like once I grow a little more, then I will be able to be out there in that situation."

Vikings coaches have cited Peterson's nascent pass-blocking skills as the primary reason why Mewelde Moore replaced him during the final two-minute drill. Peterson classified his blitz pickup as "coming along pretty good" but acknowledged he is still learning its complexities.

"There are different looks, different twists," he said. "So really it's just about being mentally focused and prepared."

Peterson faces another challenge to his playing time this week upon the expected return of veteran Chester Taylor, who has missed two games because of a strained oblique muscle. Or, the Vikings could choose this week to unveil the two-back packages they spent the summer designing so that they could get both players in the game together.

"I am looking forward to it," Peterson said. "You have got two guys out there than can make some plays when they've got the ball in their hands. It kind of scares the defense, so I am looking forward to that."

Status quo on Jackson

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (groin) again took limited practice snaps Thursday and seems likely to yield to Kelly Holcomb for the second consecutive week.

"I'm just trying to do my part to get it better," Jackson said. "That's all I can do."

Coach Brad Childress said Jackson remains sore but refused to rule him out entirely. "We've got a lot of time before we get to Sunday," Childress said.

Allison keeps return job

The Vikings appear committed to rookie Aundrae Allison as their kickoff returner, at least for the time being. Allison took his first kickoff back 60 yards Sept. 16 at Detroit, but he looked shaky against the Chiefs -- most notably, hesitating while returning a kick from 5 yards deep in the end zone.

"He's a young guy that is learning from experience," special teams coordinator Paul Ferraro said. "I expect him to be better this week."

Allison did not return kickoffs during his career at East Carolina, but Ferraro said his physical skills made him a strong candidate for the job.

"You are looking for some burst," Ferraro said. "With his quickness and speed, I just anticipated that he might have a chance to be a good kick returner at this level. With experience, I think you will continue to see him improve."

Etc.

• Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who spent six years as a Green Bay assistant, has mixed feelings as quarterback Brett Favre approaches the NFL record for career touchdown passes. "Good guys and good players, you like to see them have success," Bevell said "But I don't want the record to come against us, I can guarantee you that."

• Taylor, Jackson, safety Dwight Smith (hamstring) and receiver Troy Williamson (hamstring) sat out part of practice Thursday. But Childress said Williamson has improved and is "not having to think about that leg."

Kevin Seifert • kseifert@startribune.com