Adrian Peterson told reporters Friday before he learned of the death of his 2-year-old son that he intended to play Sunday against Carolina "without a doubt."
The Sioux Falls police department revealed a few hours later that Peterson's son had died from injuries sustained in an assault that police say was committed by the boyfriend of the child's mother.
The team won't know for sure until Sunday morning, but as of Saturday afternoon, Peterson was still planning to play, according to a source.
Peterson was asked after practice Friday about his mindset in returning to his team this week.
"You know, football is something I will always fall back on," he said. "It gets me through tough times. Just being around the guys in here, that's what I need in my life, guys supporting me and just being able to go out and play this game I love. Things that I go through, I've said a thousand times, it helps me play this game to a different level. I'm able to kind of release a lot of my stress through this sport, so that's what I plan on doing."
