Peterson: 'I don't have to be 100 percent to play'

Vikings running back jogged on his high ankle sprain Wednesday. Will try to do some cutting today.

December 1, 2011 at 11:47PM
Adrian Peterson injured his ankle while he was tackled by Oakland's Michael Huff (24) on this play Nov. 20.
Adrian Peterson injured his ankle while he was tackled by Oakland's Michael Huff (24) on this play Nov. 20. (Star Tribune file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Running back Adrian Peterson said he jogged on his high ankle sprain on Wednesday and will try to do some cutting today. He won't practice again today, but will try to give it a go on Friday.

He also said it "probably will be a game-time decision," but added that "[Friday] or Saturday, you got to be a realist. I'll be able to know if I can go or I can't go" by Saturday.

Peterson, who missed last week's loss in Atlanta, sounded as if the team's 2-9 record has no bearing on whether he'll play or not. Of course, he won't be making the final decision. The people paying him 100 million bucks over the next seven years get to make that call.

If it were up to Peterson, he said he wouldn't have to be 100 percent in order for him to play.

"I've played several times when I wasn't 100 percent," Peterson said. "If I feel I can go and I can help this team and I can be productive, I'm going."

Peterson said placing him on injured reserve never was discussed or considered.

"I can sit here and say I am improving," Peterson said. "[The injury] is winding down. I'm getting more movement. I actually ran on it yesterday and felt pretty good. I'm not 100 percent but I'm still far from last week."

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about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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