Adrian Peterson’s Role Expected to be Limited Against Jacksonville

Leslie Frazier has been quiet when it comes to how Adrian Peterson will work into this weekend’s season opener against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, but some hints have been given about what to expect.

Frazier admitted in a Labor Day press event that if Peterson plays, it will be in a very limited role, saying:

We recognize if he’s able to get in this first ball game, it’ll be with limited exposure. We’ll talk about it as the week goes on and see how he’s doing and if it’s even a valuable option to let him play.

He also said that whether or not Peterson plays will be a decision made just before the noon game this weekend at the Metrodome.

Toby Gerhart, who saw most of the preseason snaps, will likely get most of the workload this weekend. This news of a questionable or limited presence from Peterson parallels news from Jacksonville that their star running back Maurice Jones-Drew will serve primarily in a third down role. With both star rushers in limited roles, look for Christian Ponder and Blaine Gabbert to have a greater impact on the outcome of this weekend’s match.

[ESPN 1500]