Adrian Peterson plans to practice this week, play vs. Packers in Week 16

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson plans to practice this week and play against the Packers in Week 16.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson says he will practice this week with the hopes of playing in a game before the regular season ends.

Peterson has not played since tearing the lateral meniscus in his right knee during a Week 2 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

“I plan on practicing this week to really get my legs under me and get a good feel on where I’m at,” Peterson said to Dashradio.com.

“So, this week is going to be big for me. My plan, and my vision, is to be back for the Green Bay game," Peterson added. "That’s what I’m envisioning. Of course, the perfect scenario would be we win out and I’m able to rest up for three weeks, and be ready for the playoffs. That’s the perfect scenario. But I’ll be out there this week practicing, and I’ll go from there.”

Minnesota (7–6) still is in the hunt for a Wild Card berth in the NFC. They are behind the Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the conference standings and sit two games back of the Detroit Lions in the NFC Central with three games to play.

“I’ve been a pretty good judge of my body, and I don’t know if I’ll be ready to roll this week, next week or the week after,” Peterson said. “I feel like these next couple of days, next two weeks, for sure, will really help me determine what I’ll be able to do. God has blessed me to really be able to heal rapidly, and blessed me with a good mindset to attack challenges and defeat the odds when people bet against me.”

Peterson, a seven-time Pro Bowler, rushed for only 50 yards on 31 carries before getting injured. The Vikings have struggled in the running game all season, and are last in the NFL in rushing offense and yards per rushing attempt.

– Scooby Axson