Frazier confident Peterson will be ready for 2012 season

Viking coach Leslie Frazier said Adrian Peterson will have surgery within the next two weeks to repair a torn ACL and torn MCL in his left knee, and Frazier seemed confident Peterson would be ready for the start of next season.

The star running back did not speak to the media, but was at Winter Park on crutches with his left knee in a brace.

"If anyone can make it back from this and be as good as they were before, it's Adrian Peterson," Frazier said. Frazier said surgery is likely within 7-10 days.

Vikings athletic trainer Eric Sugarman talked about the injury, saying the recovery time after surgery would be eight to nine months. He said the surgeon and the site of the surgery had not yet been selected, but plans for surgery would be finalized later this week.

Sugarman did not want to compare Peterson's injury to any other injury he has seen, saying Peterson is a unique person with a powerful work ethic.

"Adrian has the DNA to heal quickly, which he has shown in the past," said Sugarman. Peterson had a high ankle sprain last month but seemed at full strength at the start of Saturday's game.

Frazier said he talked with Peterson on the plane ride home Saturday night after the Vikings' 33-26 victory, and also called him on Christmas Day. He said Peterson's spirits were good and he was already looking ahead to recovery.

Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder, who left the Washington game because of a concussion, is doing well and could be in the starting lineup Sunday. Joe Webb replaced Ponder and threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another, but Frazier seemed to indicated Ponder would start against the Bears if he passes his concussion tests.

Veteran guard Steve Hutchinson seems less likely to play Sunday after missing the Washington gave because of a concussion, but Frazier seemed optimistic cornerback Asher Allen would return from his concussion.