Banged-up Peterson says light practice has helped

Adrian Peterson rattled off his body parts that endured tough hits in the Vikings' 34-14 victory over the Bears on Sunday.

"I took a shot on my right knee, my left knee, my ankle, my foot, my hip," the running back said Thursday. "I took so many shots, but I'm feeling pretty good."

Peterson took a handful of shots as he bounced off defenders on a 11-yard run in the first quarter. Asked how many guys hit him on that particular run, Peterson smiled and said: "I haven't finished counting yet."

He limped off the field twice Sunday and sat out Wednesday's practice in order to rest. Vikings coach Brad Childress said he limited Peterson in practice Thursday and listed him on the injury report as "not injury related."

Peterson said he was sore and "a little beat up" after the game, but that the rest this week has helped.

"I'm feeling pretty good," he said. "I had the day off, kind of rest my body a little bit. So I'm feeling rejuvenated and ready to go."

Peterson has the second-most carries (270) in the NFL, trailing Atlanta's Michael Turner (282). Peterson, the league's leading rusher with 1,311 yards, already has surpassed his carry total from last season (238) with four games remaining.

Childress said he intends to use Chester Taylor more down the stretch to help reduce the wear and tear on Peterson.

"We've got two guys to keep us fresh," Peterson said. "When I'm not in there pounding the ball, he's in there pounding the ball. It really wears down the defense."

The Vikings waived veteran wide receiver Robert Ferguson in order to get their roster to 53 players. The team signed defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy on Wednesday after Kevin and Pat Williams were suspended. But with the Williamses' return on Thursday, the Vikings were forced to make a roster move.

Ferguson, signed late in training camp in 2007, had only three catches for 25 yards this season and was inactive four of the past five games.

Childress said he could bring Ferguson back if the Williamses have their suspensions upheld in the coming days.

The Vikings have had their problems in special teams this season, but they lead the NFL in blocked field goals (three) and opponents' missed field-goal attempts (nine). Opponents have made only 18 of 27 field-goal attempts.

"I am proud of our guys," special teams coordinator Paul Ferraro said. "It's not about me. We have had tremendous effort. Guys have bought into it. They come up to me before we even get to practice and ask, 'What are we doing this week, coach?' They are into it and they are proud of what they have done."

• Right guard Anthony Herrera remains away from the team after his older brother died this week. "I expect him to be back [today]," Childress said.

• Defensive end Brian Robison missed practice for the second day in a row after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Tuesday.

• Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said Kennedy will be used mostly at nose tackle but also could play the other tackle position (3-technique) if needed.