Adrian Peterson, running back for the Minnesota Vikings, is expected to break the longstanding NFL record for single-season rushing this season. Before that, however, he has to make sure he can play in his team’s upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers and an injury may prevent that.
The Washington Post reports that Peterson suffered an “abdominal injury” after the Vikings’ win over the Houston Texans. During that game, he finished with 86 yards on 25 carries. He now has a total of 1,898 yards and is close to becoming the seventh player to reach 2,000 rushing yards. He is also only 207 yards away from breaking the rushing record set in 1984.
That being said, Peterson must contend with an injury and an opposing team that will be throwing everything they have at him. Speaking to the Star Tribune, Packers’ cornerback Sam Shields said he has nothing but respect for Peterson, but that his team “need[s] to stop him.” Other Packers’ players have expressed similar sentiments of respect, but a greater desire to stop him so the Packers can secure a first-round playoff bye. The Packers’ running back, DuJuan Harris, said that the rushing record couldn’t go to a better person though.
You’ll be able to catch the Vikings-Packers game on December 30 at 4:25 p.m. We might just see history happen if Peterson fully recovers by then.