Knee recovery

Just eight months removed from a blown-out ACL and MCL, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson lobbied to play in Friday's preseason game against San Diego (coaches are wisely shelving him until the Sept. 9 regular season opener against Jacksonville). The All Pro rusher, 27, has rehabbed his knee at an inhuman pace, but we decided to look back and see how other humans (specifically NFL tailbacks) produced following similar injuries. [Update: Through 12 games, Peterson has 1,641 total yards and eight TDs, putting him on pace for 2,188 total yards - including 1,928 rushing.]

Year of injury (2009): 1,162 total yards and five TDs through 13 games.

Following season: 256 total yards and zero TDs in six games.

The Detroit Lion, still just 25, isn't on the same tier as these other backs. That said, he's in the mix for the starting job, having provided a jolt late last year.

Year of injury (2007): 991 total yards and five TDs through seven games.

Following season: 1,170 total yards and 10 TDs in 16 games.

Injuries continue to encumber the former No. 2 overall pick's career, but he did bounce back from the '07 ACL tear. Brown is currently with San Diego.

Following season: 1,255 total yards and 10 TDs in 15 games.

The retired New Orleans Saint managed to follow up this injury with one more strong campaign. Another tear in '07 sent his career to a sputtering close.

Year of injury (2001): N/A.

Following season: 1,769 total yards and seven TDs in 16 games.

Lewis -- a decorated back who spent the bulk of his career with the Baltimore Ravens -- blew out his knee prior to his sophomore season. He went on to rush for more than 1,000 yards six times, including 2,000-plus in 2003.

Following season: 1,343 total yards and three TDs in 14 games.