News: Peterson and Keenum headed back to Minnesota for Thursday Night Football

Adrian Peterson and Case Keenum return north to take on Kirk Cousins and the Vikings. Peterson's ready for an emotional night.

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

In a tight preparation week it would have been easy enough for Adrian Peterson to sit out Thursday Night Football while he heals up, but while Peterson is an old running back, he isn't any old running back, and this isn't any old game. The Washington Redskins will travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Vikings in what promises to be a prime-time fight with old and new faces on both sides of the ball. Another one of those players, Case Keenum is ready to head back to the place where he tossed the Minneapolis Miracle. 

The Redskins have two other veterans who are looking at playing in Washington long term, as Brandon Scherff talks about his contract status and Alex Smith progresses in his push to return to the field. Smith won't be back this year, but it'll be interesting what the future holds with the quarterback room full of big time investments; Smith in cap space and Dwayne Haskins in draft capital. 

Redskins' Adrian Peterson 'confident' he'll play vs. Vikings despite ankle sprains :: ESPN

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Peterson was the best running back in the league for a very long time. The guy who was the automatic 1st overall pick in fantasy leagues while he wore purple and gold will get the chance to return to Minnesota and take on the Vikings. And it appears he'll be ready to go. 

"I feel pretty confident," Peterson said. "Yesterday was rough. I didn't really know. I woke up this morning feeling really good; the swelling had gone down tremendously. Two more days to heal and do the necessary things this training staff put me through -- and the home remedies I do as well -- I should be good."

Redskins’ Case Keenum not sentimental about facing Vikings, but Adrian Peterson is :: Pioneer Press

No doubt the two Vikings cast-offs are looking forward to returning to their former realm of greatness. Keenum lead the Vikings to a dramatic playoff win over the Saints, on a play immediately dubbed the "Minneapolis Miracle" by Vikings announcer Paul Allen. Keenum, now entrenched as the starter in Washington isn't going to admit any hard feelings against his former team. He got paid. Peterson for his part is unabashedly excited to head home. 

“Of course I want to play against Minnesota,” Peterson said. “I was there for 10 years, 98 percent of the guys on the defense, I played with those guys. It’s going to be exciting to get out there and compete against those guys.”

Brandon Scherff: 'I want to be a Redskin for the rest of my career' :: NBC Sports

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Scherff has faced his fare share of injuries recently, but has battled back to contribute in the Redskins up-and-coming run game. Scherff isn't worying about his contract, which is up at the end of the 2019 season, but if he has his choice he'll retire a Redskin.

"...I want to stay here," Scherff told NBC Sports Washington's JP Finlay in an exclusive interview. "I want to be a Redskin for the rest of my career."

Bill Callahan and Case Keenum talk about the Redskins vs Vikings on Thursday Night Football :: Hogs Haven

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Callahan gave an update on the weekly injuries for the Redskins, with all who were anticipated to practice doing so. Vernon Davis even go in limited work. Things are ticking up in the trainer's room. One player absent from practice, but who fans can expect to see very soon is Derrius Guice. Guice has been working out outside of practice times and looks ready to get back in action once he's eligible to come off of injured reserve. Guice says "it's time."

It’s time💪🏾🤪 @Redskins pic.twitter.com/gi0bKwe7MM

— DG (@DhaSickest) April 28, 2018

Alex Smith's rehab now includes deep passes; Adrian Peterson has MRI exam on injured ankle :: Washington Post

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Smith is back on the practice field, slowly increasing his workload and throwing range. Smith has said he plans on playing again, but even if he doesn't he's come a long way from the injury that nearly cost him his right leg. 

Smith will miss all of 2019, and will be hard pressed to be ready in time to play in 2020, but never say never. 

“He’s been throwing for some time now. I think it’s been a progression that he’s built up,” Redskins interim coach Bill Callahan said later at his news conference. “He hasn’t just come out there and started throwing 50-yard bombs.”