Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson To Start Sunday

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is expected to play Sunday at Cincinnati despite not practice on Thursday according to Coach Leslie Frazier.

Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) talks on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Peterson did not play last Sunday against Philadelphia because his sprained right foot, but practiced Wednesday even though he was listed on the week’s injury report with an additional groin issue.

He received treatment Thursday to “work through some of the kinks,” Frazier said.

“I think based on what we saw yesterday, we should be fine,” Frazier said. “Just wanted to be smart with him and get him back out here (Friday). Unless something comes up that I don’t foresee, he should be ready to go on Sunday.”

Backup running back Toby Gerhart, who also was sidelined against the Eagles because of a hamstring injury, is back practicing at full strength and poised to return to the lineup against the Bengals.

Even though he was cleared to play tight end John Carlson experienced recurring concussion symptoms and was held out of practice. He will have to pass the NFL’s concussion protocol again before he can play.

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes (sprained ankle) did not practice; but Frazier was optimistic the rookie would return to the field this week and play at Cincinnati.

“I don’t know if we’d start him,” Frazier said. “(It) depends on how he looks in practice.”