A few days after joining the Washington Redskins, former Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson made his debut with the team on Friday night in preseason action against the Denver Broncos.

In his first appearance with the Redskins, Peterson took the bulk of the carries in the backfield, taking the field for 14 plays and rushing for 55 yards on 10 carries, according to Rotoworld.

It was great news on two fronts for Peterson. First, he dominated first-team snaps, lining up for 14 of the 25 plays Alex Smith was on the field. Second, he looked good on those snaps, consistently creating positive yards including a few big plays. Chris Thompson likely will take on more work than Kapri Bibbs handled Friday night, but Peterson now has to be considered in the same range as Jamaal Williams and Chris Carson in fantasy drafts.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Retired NFL player Peyton Manning stands on the sidelines of Empower Field at Mile High before the game between the Carolina Panthers Denver Broncos.
Peyton Manning makes major NWSL Denver expansion announcementErin Achenbach ·
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Former Browns first-round OL makes big decision on 2025 campaignDouglas Fritz ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts drawing legitimate trade interestBen Strauss ·
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles former player and ESPN commentator Jason Kelce reacts before in a 2025 AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jason Kelce hits USA Flag QB with fiery ‘not the best’ reality checkMike Gianakos ·
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) tracks a deep pass as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) defends in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey trade pursuitBen Strauss ·

Peterson had a strong debut that left a strong impression on the coaching staff with the strong burst he showed on power runs down the field. The 33-year-old was able to break through with a few huge runs where he demonstrated enough gas left in the tank to play at a high level, including an impressive 15-yard run on 4th-and-inches after he scampered to the outside to elude defenders.

This could be the start of a building block for him to earn some playing time from the get-go of his first year with the Redskins. He played like a starter with his performance, which may put him in direct competition with Chris Thompson for the starting job this season with the other running backs on the roster dealing with injuries.

The final preseason game will be an opportunity for him to build on his case to earn the starting job ahead of Week 1 of the regular season.