Vikings RB Adrian Peterson Will Return Sunday vs. Colts

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson told Dash Radio that he will return to the field and play on Sunday against the Colts:

BREAKING: #Vikings RB @AdrianPeterson just told @Dash_Radio he his going to play in Week 15 against the Colts.

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) December 16, 2016

Peterson has been out since suffering a torn meniscus in the team's Week 2 win over the Packers. He returned to practice for the first time on Wednesday, and was shooting to make his return on Dec. 24 for Minnesota's Week 16 game against Green Bay.

However, head coach Mike Zimmer didn't rule Peterson out for Sunday's game, and after feeling comfortable with his knee in practice, they decided to have him play this weekend.

Peterson had previously said he would not return this season if the Vikings were out of playoff contention, but at 7-6, they are right in the thick of the wild card race - and are two games behind the Lions for the division lead.

His return would likely provide a needed boost to Minnesota's rushing attack, which ranks dead last in the NFL with 73.4 yards per game. 

Before the injury, Peterson had gained just 50 yards on 31 carries. In 2015, he led the NFL with 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns on 327 carries.

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