Peterson missing bus 'a big deal' to Frazier

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier had his talk with Adrian Peterson about the latter missing a team bus from the hotel to Soldier Field before Sunday's 28-10 loss to the Bears in Chicago.

"The conversation itself, I'll keep between he and I," Frazier said Monday. "But we have talked about it. Hopefully, it will never happen again. I can't see why it would. I hope it never will again."

Peterson was seen flagging down a cab at 10 a.m. outside the JW Marriott. That's when the players are supposed to be in the locker room for a noon game. According to the NFL Network, Peterson got to the stadium at 10:30.

Asked how big or small a deal it was to look up and not see the league's rushing leader on the bus, Frazier said, "Well, anytime one of your leaders is not where he's supposed to be, it's not good. I talk to our team all the time about being where you're supposed to be and being on time.

"It's a big deal."

Frazier said being late or missing the team bus isn't something Peterson has had a problem with before. Peterson wasn't available to the media Monday at Winter Park.

After Sunday's game, he said: "I'm really not going to discuss that. Me and Coach actually haven't had the opportunity to talk about it. It really wasn't a big deal. Came out and played. What's important is what can we do to come back and get back on track. That's going to be our main focus."

Asked Monday when he knew Peterson wasn't on the bus, Frazier said, "I knew when we left. He's Adrian Peterson, so I know when he's on [the bus] or not on."

Asked if he was in contact with Peterson while on the bus or at the stadium, Frazier simply said, "Nope."

Frazier also declined to use Peterson's tardiness as a distraction that contributed to the Bears' dominant victory.

"I think everybody was pretty focused on their job and doing what they had to do," Frazier said. "I'm not sure how many guys really knew that he wasn't on the bus. I'm not sure. I think our guys were focused on their jobs and what they needed to do."

Peterson, who has been playing despite a sore ankle, suffered "a shoulder strain during the course of the game," Frazier said. Frazier said the team will monitor Peterson's progress during the week, but "it shouldn't be a problem" as far as playing against the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday.