Peterson wants win for Favre

Adrian Peterson isn't one of those players who has described the Vikings-Packers clash Monday night as just another game. The Pro Bowl running back knows exactly what it means to his quarterback and good friend, Brett Favre.

Peterson acknowledged the overall importance of the game, but he also admitted he would like to win for Favre, who spent 16 seasons in Green Bay and is facing his former team for the first time.

"Coming up against these guys, it's a Monday night game, a big rivalry to take a firm hold right now on our divisional lead, it's a big game," Peterson said. "Not only for Brett but for the Minnesota Vikings. But inside I definitely want to get this win for him, too."

Peterson said he already has developed a connection with the veteran QB. Favre has praised Peterson numerous times since joining the team, and it's clear Peterson has great respect for Favre. The two have lockers close together at Winter Park.

"Favre is the type of guy you just feed off his energy and just the passion he plays with and the way he plays the game," Peterson said. "You see him running down the field last week going to block guys. Blocking [49ers linebacker] Patrick Willis and you see Patrick get up after that play and help him out. That's the type of respect he's got and just the way he plays the game. You've got to go out there and lay it on the line."

Favre made that block after throwing a pass to Bernard Berrian from deep in his own territory. Favre sprinted to around midfield to block Willis, something few, if any, quarterbacks would do.

"Just amazing that he's been around for so long and been productive, and he hasn't lost his love for the game," Peterson said. "I respect it more so because I play the game the same way, and I see guys right now to this day that don't play with that energy and that excitement and that love for the game. He's still playing with that passion. That definitely makes him who he is. Brett Favre. I love it."

Steve Hutchinson missed a second consecutive day of practice on Friday because of pain in his back, but coach Brad Childress expressed no concern that the Pro Bowl left guard will miss the game.

"We're just resting him, and I think he probably will be out here and move around a little bit [today]," Childress said.

Hutchinson, who has started 105 games in a row, also was bothered by back issues in training camp. It's unclear if this is the same problem.

Favre also remained on the injury report because of a problem with his foot, but no one seems very concerned about his status.

"I'm not being funny with it," Childress said when asked if Favre's listing was simply compliance on the Vikings' part after the Jets got slapped with a big fine recently for not putting Favre on their injury report last season. "I'm just being compliant."

Punt returner Darius Reynaud (hamstring) did not practice for a second day in a row. Special teams coordinator Brian Murphy said if Reynaud can't play Monday, Berrian will return punts. Berrian, Percy Harvin, Jaymar Johnson and Greg Lewis worked on punt returns Friday.

• San Francisco defensive end Justin Smith was fined $5,000 for hitting Favre in the knees in the second quarter last week. Smith received an unnecessary-roughness penalty on the play.

• Beginning Monday, fans can purchase small, lightweight portable radio devices that will enable them to hear the Vikings Radio Network's broadcast of the game in real time with no delay. The devices are $20 and will be sold at several locations inside and outside the Metrodome.