Adrian Peterson Injury Update: Star RB has Torn ACL, MCL; Expected to Return in 2012

The Minnesota Vikings have officially placed Adrian Peterson on injured reserve after he suffered both an ACL and MCL tear during the team’s 33-26 victory over Washington Redskins on Sunday.

Despite the severity of the injury, the team is optimistic their star running back will be back in time to start the 2012 season.

While normal rehab and recovery for an ACL tear can take up to nine months,  Vikings head trainer Eric Sugarman cautioned to avoid comparing Peterson’s case with that of other athletes.

“I really would like Adrian to stand on his own merit, because Adrian is, I feel, very unique,” Sugarman said. “Adrian has a great work ethic. Adrian has the DNA to heal quickly, which he has shown in the past. He certainly will have the desire and the mental toughness to be able to get through the rehab process, which will take months and months, as you know. I think if anyone can get better quickly and safely in that time period, it would be Adrian Peterson.”

The trainer added that Peterson, who was signed to a seven-year, $100 million contract extension at the beginning of the 2011 season, is expected to have surgery in the next seven-to-10 days.

Prior to his injury, Peterson had racked up 970 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 208 carries. The 2011 season marks the first time in his 4-year career that he didn’t eclipse 1,000 yards rushing.

Watch the following clip as ESPN’s John Clayton gives his thoughts on Adrian Peterson’s season ending ACL injury and the impact it will have on the Vikings.