Peterson shakes off Lambeau limp

By CHIP SCOGGINS and JUDD ZULGAD, Star Tribune

Last update: September 6, 2008 - 11:36 PM

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson doesn't like to think about his only trip to Lambeau Field, but he can't forget about it either.

Peterson suffered a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee in a 34-0 loss to the Green Bay Packers last season. The injury forced Peterson to miss two games, and he wore a custom-fit brace the remainder of the season.

Peterson, who rushed for 45 yards on 11 carries that day, will make his second appearance at Lambeau on Monday in the season opener. He said he's trying not to think about all the negatives that happened last season.

"It's something I put out of my mind, but it's there," he said. "With the knee injury, getting beat 34-0. A game like that you want to try and keep out of your head. But then you sit back and think about the last time you faced those guys and get prepared in a different way."

Peterson's injury happened on a diving hit by cornerback Al Harris that Peterson has described as a clean hit on several occasions.

The NFL investigated whether Packers defensive backs had offered a $500 "bounty" to their defensive linemen if Peterson finished with fewer than 100 yards.

Peterson brushed off a question Saturday about the supposed bounty.

"I heard about it," he said. "I didn't pursue it or look into it or anything like that. I was focused on the season."

Burnsie pep talk

Vikings coach Brad Childress invited former coach Jerry Burns to address the team after practice Saturday. It's the second consecutive season that Burns talked to the team before a Packers game.

"He just addressed the rivalry," Childress said. "He talked more about the mental aspects of the game today more than anything with our crowd. As you guys would know, in his own inimitable way. It's different than having a guest speaker. He's coached. That's huge."

Said Peterson: "He's so fired up. It gets you going. A lot of cuss words."

Line problems

The Packers are not in the best shape to face the Vikings defensive line. Center Scott Wells is listed as questionable because of a back injury and will be replaced by right guard Jason Spitz if he can't play.

Backup right guard Josh Sitton is out because of a knee injury, meaning backup tackle Tony Moll will start at right guard if Spitz plays center.

The Vikings are aware of Green Bay's problems, but they say they can't take anything for granted.

"We have to go out there and execute," defensive end Jared Allen said. "You can be the best player and have the worst day. And the worst player can have the best day and make you look like a fool."

Etc.

• Allen is teaming with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on a new a initiative called "Sack Diabetes." For road games, Allen will donate $3,000 for every sack he gets to the local JDRF chapter. He'll also donate $3,000 to the Minnesota JDRF chapter for every sack he gets at the Metrodome.

• Cornerback Charles Gordon said he could play either outside or inside in nickel situations but expects to mainly be used at left cornerback. That means Antoine Winfield will often shift inside to cover the slot receiver when a linebacker comes out of the game.

• The Packers had three running backs gain 100 yards against them last season, and two of them were named Adrian Peterson. Not the same one, mind you. The Vikings' Peterson rushed for 112 yards on 12 carries on Sept. 30 at the Metrodome. In December, both the Bears' Adrian Peterson (102 yards) and the Rams' Steven Jackson (143 yards) topped the 100-yard mark.

• Kick returner Maurice Hicks did not practice again because of a foot injury and is listed as doubtful.