The Minnesota Vikings are content with letting the system play out and not interfere when it comes to the case of Adrian Peterson. After the running back accepted a lesser plea deal, he could make his return to the NFL and is currently fighting with the NFL to be allowed to return to the field. The NFL Players Association has field a grievance to get the running back on the field sooner rather than later, but the Vikings are not looking to rush things along.
Peterson continues to sit on the Commissioner-Exempt list while the NFL continues to review his case to determine whether or not the running back violated the league's personal conduct policy. While the NFL has said they intend for this process to go along quickly, they are not going to rush to any decision and that is perfectly ok with the Vikings organization.
"In regards to Adrian Peterson's status with the Minnesota Vikings, at this time his potential reinstatement is under NFL guidelines. As an organization, we respect and understand the league's process. In the interim, our focus is on the team and preparing for this weekend's game against the Bears," said the released statement from the team.
The NFLPA had set a Monday deadline for Peterson to get reinstated, something that was not met by the NFL. There is still a good chance that Peterson could be suspended for the remainder of the season under the personal conduct policy, something the running back will likely fight as well. If he is not suspended, the Vikings have to make a decision of the route to take with the running back. Right now, the offense is built around Teddy Bridgewater and Matt Asiata, not Peterson. Minnesota had been rumored to be trying to move Peterson's salary prior to his arrest on child abuse charges, this might have just pushed them over the edge.
The chances that Peterson takes the field this season are slim and the chances that he takes the field in a Minnesota Vikings uniform again are slim. NFL.com reported that a number of teams with show interest in the running back if/when he is available again, even if that means negotiating a trade. The Dallas Cowboys are the first team on the radar simply because DeMarco Murray will leave for free agency. The New England Patriots also lose all of their running backs to free agency which opens the door for Peterson. This is certainly something to keep an eye on.
