EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Adrian Peterson won’t play Saturday at Green Bay, and there’s no certainty he ever will again for the Vikings.
The Vikings on Friday ruled out the running back with knee and groin injuries. Peterson had returned to carry six times for 22 yards in last Sunday’s 34-6 loss to Indianapolis after missing 11 games with a torn right meniscus.
Peterson, 31, said after that game he had planned to play against the Packers, but wouldn’t commit to facing Chicago in the Jan. 1 regular-season finale, a game that might have no bearing on the playoff race. Peterson is under contract next season for $18 million, but it’s highly unlikely he will play for that amount, meaning he could sign a renegotiated deal or go elsewhere.
The Vikings on Friday also ruled out for Saturday guard Brandon Fusco (concussion), fullback Zach Line (concussion) and wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (ankle). With Fusco out for a second straight game, Joe Berger likely again will start at right guard and Nick Easton again at center.
Listed as questionable were safety Harrison Smith (ankle) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (hip). Smith, who was hurt Nov. 20 against Arizona and re-injured his ankle Dec. 1 against Dallas, could return after missing two games.
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“Harrison is a good player,’’ said Vikings coach Mike Zimmer. “So, when he plays, he’s more instinctive (than Anthony Harris, who had replaced Smith). He plays faster. He’s a physical tackler, good blitzer, good cover guy. I don’t think it’s just experience. I think it’s he’s a good player.’’
The Vikings on Friday also placed rookie cornerback Mackensie Alexander on injured reserve and signed running back C.J. Ham off the practice squad . Alexander was on crutches in the locker room after Thursday’s practice, but would not give any details on his injury.
Ham, an undrafted rookie from Augustana (S.D.), provides depth with the Vikings not having Peterson and Line.
Peterson did not practice all week. He said Wednesday he was “taking it one day at a time to see how I feel.”
The 10-year veteran was hurt Sept. 18, when Minnesota beat Green Bay 17-14 in the first regular-season game at U.S. Bank Stadium, and had surgery Sept. 22. He returned in three months even though he said doctors told him the recovery time would be four to six months.
