vikings/nfl
Dan Wiederer began covering the Vikings in 2011, enthusiastically delivering insight on the team across the Star Tribune's print and digital products. Prior to joining the Access Vikings team, he spent seven seasons covering ACC basketball at The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer. He also covered the Chicago Bears in 2003 and 2004. Follow him on Twitter @StribDW.
Mark Craig has covered football and the NFL the past 20 years, including the Browns from 1991-95 and the Vikings and the NFL since 2003. Since 2008, Craig has served as one of the 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. He can be followed on Twitter at @markcraignfl.
Adrian Peterson accepting of decision that he won't play in the preseason
Posted by: Dan Wiederer under Vikings, Adrian Peterson Updated: August 21, 2012 - 6:36 PM
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson met with the media at the conclusion of this afternoon's practice and talked about the team's decision to hold him out of the final two preseason games. Here are a few highlights of what Peterson had to say ...
On how the discussion went Monday night when he was told of the decision ...
"It actually went pretty well. We’re on the same page. We discussed it for a little bit. And we were in agreement. It is what it is. My goals still stay the same. I look forward to being back the first week."
On his understanding of what the coaches still want to see from him before he's cleared for game action ...
"It’s all about getting back in the rhythm of things. Even the smallest things – getting my reads down. Not like I’m missing reads. But my vision. Getting out here and seeing the holes again and just getting more comfortable. I haven’t touched the ball in a long time or had to avoid guys and make different cuts and things like that. So it’s all about the progression each week."
On his level of acceptance now that he's been declared out of the final two preseason games ...
"The way I’ve been looking at it, either way, if I was to play or not, my goals still stay the same and that’s to continue to progress and be ready for Week 1. So that’s the goal and I’m going to do everything I have to do to reach it."
On the likelihood that he will be cleared to play for the season opener against Jacksonville ...
"I've been saying this the whole time. My goal is the same. I want to be out there for that first game. So we'll see. That's where my mindset is. It hasn't changed at all. I'd be cheating myself if I said it was, uh, 95 percent [probable] or 85 percent. That's not the way I think."
On what hurdles he'll have to overcome when he does get back on the field in the regular season ...
"What’s going to be my biggest challenge? Just being patient. Just being patient. Because I’ve been looking forward to being out there, man. I’m just so anxious. So just staying calm and staying in my element and letting the game flow and come to me is going to be the most important thing."
On how hard it's been for him to stay patient with the timeline for his return ...
"I’ve been preaching to myself. I’ve been repeating it and trying to brainwash myself. Patience. Patience. Because the past couple of weeks I really haven’t been hearing the things I’ve wanted to hear. So I’ve had to be patient. Patient. Overall, I’m understanding it man and we’re on the same page. And my goal’s not going to change. So I’m just going to be patient and continue to do what I can do to make sure that I’m able to reach that goal [of playing Sept. 9]."
On how much contact he wants to absorb to feel like he's back in the swing of things ...
"I want a lot of it. I want a lot of it. It’ll be good for me. I’m excited to see how I feel when I get hit or to run over somebody. To get back physical. I’m a physical running back so I want to get that contact."
On whether he thinks the Vikings are being overly cautious with him right now ...
"I’m looking at it like it is what it is. I understand from their point of view, from the coaching staff, from ownership, how they’re viewing everything with what’s most important for this organization and this team. So with that being said, I’m just going to do my part. And that’s to keep on working and make sure I’m back."
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| Date/Opponent | Time | W | L | Score |
| 2013 preseason | ||||
| Aug 9 - vs. Houston | 7 pm | |||
| Aug 16 - at Buffalo | 6 pm | |||
| Aug 25 - at San Francisco | 7 pm | |||
| Aug 29 - vs. Tennessee | 7 pm | |||
| 2013 regular season | ||||
| Sep 8 - at Detroit | Noon | |||
| Sep 15 - at Chicago | Noon | |||
| Sep 22 - vs. Cleveland | Noon | |||
| Sep 29 - vs. Pittsburgh (in London) | Noon | |||
| Oct 6 - Bye | ||||
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| Oct 21 - at. NY Giants | 7:40 pm | |||
| Oct 27 - vs. Green Bay | 7:30 pm | |||
| Nov 3 - at Dallas | Noon | |||
| Nov 7 - vs. Washington | 7:25 pm | |||
| Nov 17 - at Seattle | 3:25 pm | |||
| Nov. 24 - at Green Bay | Noon | |||
| Dec 1 - vs. Chicago | Noon | |||
| Dec 8 - at Baltimore | Noon | |||
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| Dec 29 - vs. Detroit | Noon |
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