The New Orleans Saints brought in a potentially significant upgrade to their running game this year. The team was able to sign superstar Adrian Peterson to a short-term deal with the veteran focused on taking the Saints to the next level.

Peterson, who usually sits out the NFL preseason, saw his first action this week with six carries against the Houston Texans. Although the 32-year-old only racked up 15 yards on those six carries, he feels good and is ready for the season opener on Sept. 11 when he'll go up against his former team in the Minnesota Vikings, via Mike Triplett of ESPN.

“It seems normal to me. Like Year 1. Seriously. I feel fresh,” said Peterson, who missed 13 games last season because of a torn meniscus in his knee, but also got to rest his body as a result.

“I’m ready, man,” Peterson said. “Two weeks before we start, I’m just trying to keep myself calm, relaxed and just focused on day by day, getting ready for the opener.”

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That fact that Peterson claims he's as fresh as he was in his first season is a scary thought for opposing teams, especially the Vikings. Peterson will be highly motivated to put on a show in his Saints debut on Sept. 11 with Minnesota being the ideal opponent.

However, there's no guarantee Peterson will be the dominant player of old. The injuries have piled up on the veteran back over the years as he's struggled to stay healthy. The future Hall of Famer played in only three games last year before going down with yet another season-ending knee injury.

If healthy, Peterson could quickly become a force to be reckoned with once again in an offense that may be among the league's best with the one-two punch of Drew Brees and Peterson.