Adrian Peterson injury: Vikings RB shouldn't need surgery

The Vikings have dodged a bullet with Adrian Peterson's foot injury. He won't require surgery but is unlikely to play in Week 15.

By Jon Benne@LordBenne Dec 10, 2013, 12:38pm EST

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson got some good news on his sprained foot Tuesday. An MRI and CT scan revealed no fracture or structural damage on his right foot, and he will not require surgery.

Peterson will remain in a walking boot and is extremely unlikely to play in next week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He went down with the injury in last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens when his foot got bent awkwardly under linebacker Arthur Brown on the sideline. Peterson was carted off the field, and backup Toby Gerhart finished the game.

Head coach Leslie Frazier isn't ready to name a timeline for Peterson's return, noting that the Vikings are out of playoff contention and could take it easy with their franchise cornerstone. Gerhart strained his hamstring during last week's 41-yard touchdown run, meaning the Vikings might be forced to turn to third-stringer Matt Asiata if Gerhart isn't able to play.