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The NFL just went through arguably their worst week in the history of their league. That week was capped off by the news of Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson being indicted on charges of negligent or reckless abuse of a child.
Peterson turned himself in and was deactivated for yesterday’s loss to the New England Patriots, but now it looks as if he won’t be out for long.
According to the Associated Press, the Minnesota Vikings have announced that Peterson will likely play this Sunday:
BREAKING: Minnesota Vikings say running back Adrian Peterson expected to play this Sunday in New Orleans #NFL
— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) September 15, 2014
The Vikings released a statement saying they prefer to allow due process to take place in this situation according to Pro Football Talk:
To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child. At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action.
It is going to be very interesting to see how the NFL reacts and handles this, as well as whether this has any effect on the Carolina Panthers, who deactivated DE Greg Hardy due to his ongoing domestic violence case.
The NFL is in a very precarious situation right now in the wake of the Ray Rice situation, but as far as the football field is concerned, the Vikings are in dire need of their star running back and would love to have him back on the field as soon as possible.