Vikings feel strongly Adrian Peterson was 'disciplining a child'

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said the organization feels that the incident described in Adrian Peterson's indictment on a felony charge of injury to a child constitutes "disciplining a child."

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said the organization feels Adrian Peterson was "disciplining a child" during the incident that led to his indictment on a felony charge of injury to a child. 

Spielman was responding to a question on NFL Network about abuse victims in light of the star running back's indictment for allegedly injuring his son with a stick. 

First question: What message are you sending to abuse victims? Spielman: “We feel strongly as an organization this is disciplining a child”

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2014

The Vikings announced Monday that Peterson will practice this week and is expected to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

• Minnesota Vikings announce Adrian Peterson will play in Week 3

Peterson turned himself in to authorities and was released from jail Saturday after posting $15,000 bail. The Vikings deactivated him before last Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. 

In a statement Monday, Vikings owner Zygi and Mark Wilf addressed the decision to reinstate Peterson. Peterson also released a statement in which he said, "I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser.​"

Peterson, 28, has been selected to the Pro Bowl six times and led the NFL in rushing twice.​

- Chris Johnson