Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson tore his ACL late in December in the 2011 season and initially looked like he would miss most of the 2012 NFL season recovering. Peterson has been ahead of schedule, however, with hopes he could start the opening game of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Peterson is so far along in his recovery, apparently, that he's racing his teammates, according to The Associated Press.

The two friends ran up and down hills for conditioning and worked on balance in a sand pit, challenging each other to recover as quickly as possible and get back to the business of turning this proud franchise around after two straight last-place finishes in the NFC North.

Peterson began running in early February and sounds like he's on track for his goal to start the opening game of the season.

For more on Peterson and the Vikings, head over to the SB Nation blog Daily Norseman.