How much does Adrian Peterson want the competition? The Vikings star running back was standing on the sideline during the early portion of Monday's practice watching the special teams when he looked over to the other field and saw the team's defensive ends and linebackers doing reps on a blocking sled.
"I said, 'You know what? Let me get active,' " said Peterson, who joined in the drill at Winter Park. "I was messing with those guys, saying I can definitely see myself coming off the edge. I don't know of too many tackles gonna get their hands on me. So keep your eyes out for it."
More seriously, keep your eyes out for Peterson actually seeing some action on offense Sunday night in San Francisco. It will be his preseason debut.
This after having lobbied coach Leslie Frazier hard to get in the first two exhibitions.
"When you sit back and watch two games and see your guys, that second game you start itching for it," Peterson said.
If he had the choice, Peterson said he'd like to play a half in San Francisco. But he likely won't play that much. Perhaps two series.
Last season, coming off knee surgery, Peterson didn't play at all in the preseason but won MVP honors. So he doesn't necessarily need the preseason reps.
"But it's just being out there as an offensive unit and not having any missing pieces," he said. "Whether it's a quarter or two quarters, it's just getting that time in live. There is no way to emulate that, so that's the part I like."