Minnesota Vikings Toby Gerhart Ready To Play If Adrian Peterson Can’t

Coach Leslie Frazier said that is “cautiously optimistic” that Minnesota Viking star running back Adrian Peterson can play Sunday at Green Bay because of his groin strain. But if Peterson can’t play on Sunday backup running back Toby Gerhart is geared up and ready to go.

Nov 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Toby Gerhart (32) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Because Frazier is still not sure of the level of involvement that Peterson will have, that means the understudy Gerhart could get the call or at least increase his workload.

Gerhart had just four carries for 28 yards before the Seattle game. But he did have seven attempts for 67 yards in Sunday’s 41-20 loss at Seattle, three of those carries were before Peterson was pulled from the game for good.

But Gerhart says that no matter how many times he’s been on the field this season, he is having a good time.

“It was just fun,” Gerhart said of getting extra action.”It felt like the first time I’d played in a while. I woke up sore and (thought), ‘Wow, that is what it feels like to get hit again.’ ”

“I just do my thing every week,” Gerhart said. “I go out and practice hard, and if my number gets called in the game, go out there and try to execute.”

Peterson has played in 26 straight Minnesota regular-season games. After carrying 21 times for 65 yards against the Seahawks, he said his groin was “bothering me a lot.”

Peterson did not practice Wednesday. Frazier had talked before the workout about his plans for the week regarding Peterson.

“The groin has been bothering him,” Frazier said. “We’ll see what we need to do this week. Is he able to practice (Thursday), or do we hold him back until Friday?”