By cbsexaminer
By Joseph Gunther
The Minnesota Vikings did not have first nor second team running backs Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart in Sunday’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday at Mall of America Field.
Peterson was held out of practice Thursday’s practice, but that shouldn’t be a problem when the Vikings play their final road game of the season Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I think based on what we saw (Wednesday), we should be fine,” head coach Leslie Frazier said. “Just wanted to be smart with him and get him back but here (Friday). Unless something comes up that I don’t foresee, he should be ready to go on Sunday.”
Peterson is second in the NFL in rushing yards, despite suffering through several nagging injuries this season. He has missed just one game due to the ankle injury suffered in Baltimore, but played through hamstring and groin injuries all season.
Peterson and Gerhart were replaced in the lineup by Matt Asiata. The second-year veteran has been predominantly used on special teams, but scored three touchdowns in his first career start.
He has missed Wednesday and Thursday’s practices with an ankle injury.
Other injury news:
Cornerback Xavier Rhodes thought he was going to practice Thursday, but did not. He has done some light conditioning, but did so with a noticeable limp.
“It was just a little test, that’s all,” Rhodes said.
Despite not practicing Wednesday or Thursday, Frazier believes the rookie can still be able to play Sunday.
“I don’t know if we’d start him,” Frazier said. “(It) depends on how looks in practice.”
The first round draft pick had established himself of the team’s best corner before the suffering the ankle injury against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14.
He does want to play again this season and would play both remaining games if he can.
“I want to play the last two games not only because the coaches want me to play, but I just love the game of football,” Rhodes said. “I just don’t like sitting out. So it’s important to me, to come back here and it’s also important to the team. But other players are stepping up to the plate and playing well too. It’d be great if I could come back and help though.”
Tight end John Carlson returned to practice Wednesday after being cleared by the NFL’s concussion protocol, but felt recurring concussion symptoms and was held out of Thursday’s practice.
The Complete injury Report
The Vikings listed Asiata (ankle), Carlson (concussion), Peterson (groin/foot) and Rhodes (ankle) as non-participants in Thursday’s practice.
Cornerback Chris Cook (knee), guard Brandon Fusco (knee), running back Toby Gerhart (hamstring) and safety Harrison Smith (toe) were listed as limited participants in Thursday’s practice.
The team listed linebacker Larry Dean (knee), linebacker Chad Greenway (wrist), long snapper Cullen Loeffler (hand) and cornerback Marcus Sherels (shoulder) as full participants in Thursday’s practice.
For more Vikings news and updates, visit Vikings Central.
Joseph Gunther is an avid fan of Minnesota sports, including football, hockey and baseball. He covered a wide variety of sports while attending Hastings College in Hastings, Neb. While at Hastings College, he was a part of the first collegiate media group to broadcast a national tournament via television, radio, internet and newspaper at the 2004 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament. He grew up in the Twin Cities playing three years of varsity football in high school. Joseph is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on
Source: CBS Minnesota
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