- The Washington Times - Friday, December 23, 2016

After missing 11 games with a torn meniscus, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was able to return against the Indianapolis Colts.

Now, Peterson will be inactive again as the Vikings take on the Green Bay Packers.

Peterson was eased into game action against the Colts, taking six carries for 22 yards and one reception for a yard. Peterson also fumbled the ball.

Peterson had hinted that if the Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention, he would likely sit out for the remaining games to continue to recover from his knee injury and a separate groin injury.

Minnesota technically isn’t eliminated yet, but, according to Five Thirty Eight, the Vikings currently have a 3 percent chance to qualify for the playoffs. Even if the Vikings win their next two games — against the Packers and Chicago Bears — the Vikings still only have a 13 percent chance to qualify.

This season, Peterson has 37 rushes for 72 yards. That’s an average of 1.9 yards per carry, well below his previous seasons’ average of 4.9 yards per attempt.

• Tommy Chalk can be reached at tchalk@washingtontimes.com.

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