The Minnesota Vikings have managed a 6-4 record despite having the worst rushing game in the NFL. They've only gained 700 yards on the ground while averaging 2.7 yards per carry, placing them last in the NFL in each category.

The injury-riddled offensive line is certainly at fault, but the loss of Adrian Peterson has been a significant factor as well. Peterson went down with a knee injury in Week 2 against the Packers, forcing him to undergo meniscus surgery in late September. The return timetable was three-to-four months, making Week 16 or Week 17 the earliest possible return dates.

Luckily, Peterson's recovery has exceeded expectations, and the Vikings could get him back a few weeks earlier.

According to Ben Goessling of ESPN, Peterson could be back on the field for Minnesota as early as mid-December.

That makes their December 11th game in Jacksonville against the Jaguars and their Week 12 matchup with Colts possible return targets.

Article Continues Below
More Minnesota Vikings News
Vikings legend Jim Marshall, Hall of Famer Brett Favre
Brett Favre’s heartfelt reaction to Vikings legend Jim Marshall’s passingAlex House ·
Dec 11, 1976; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall (70) against the Miami Dolphins at the Orange Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons- Imagn Images
Purple People Eaters legend who played 270 straight games passes awayZachary Draves ·
vikings, minnesota vikings
3 Minnesota Vikings hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowGarrett Kerman ·
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center.
Vikings lock up GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to multi-year contract extensionBen Strauss ·
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) under center against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
JJ McCarthy hype train speeding up at OTAsScotty White ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·

The Vikings will exercise caution with their prized back, but an exam last week yielded positive results. He could start running as early as this week.

Peterson has demonstrated his resiliency returning from injury in the past. After tearing his ACL in December of 2011, Adrian miraculously returned for Week 1 the following season. Peterson won the MVP that year while rushing for 2,097 yards, just eight behind Eric Dickerson‘s all-time NFL record.

Vikings teammate Captain Munnerlyn discussed Peterson's work ethic on Monday:

“He's a workaholic,” cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said Monday. “I definitely wouldn't put anything past this guy. He's a fast healer. His makeup is definitely a fighter. We'll see. I think [he'll be back], but at the same time, you never know. That's a tough injury to come back from. He's got to think about his career, but he's a guy that wants to come out there and help the team win. One thing is on his mind: He wants to win that Super Bowl. So he feels like if he can come back and definitely contribute to us winning, he definitely will do it.”