Running back Adrian Peterson practiced for the first time Wednesday during the Vikings' third padded session of training camp.

Peterson, 31, was held back by a hamstring injury suffered during training this offseason. He received an increased number of reps during Wednesday's morning walkthrough and led the offense during full team drills in practice.

"It felt good to get back out there," Peterson said. "Back in action now, just really being smart. There was no reason to get out there and try to basically tear something or make it worse."

Backup running back Jerick McKinnon, who in the words of Zimmer got a little "twisted" during Monday's practice, worked with athletic trainers on the side and did not practice.