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Report: Adrian Peterson believes he'll return Week 12

Brace Hemmelgarn / USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson believes he'll be able to return from a torn meniscus in eight weeks, sources told Tom Pelissero of USA Today.

Peterson, who underwent surgery on Thursday, is eligible to come off injured reserve in Week 12 but a three-to-four month recovery period is reportedly likely.

The optimism could be premature, as some within the organization doubt Peterson will return at all this season despite historically healing faster than usual. In 2012, Peterson returned from a torn ACL and MCL in under nine months, rushing for 2,097 yards.

With his latest injury, the 31-year-old opted for a more comprehensive surgery that will benefit his long-term knee health over a trim that could've had him back on the field in two weeks.

It will likely take a month for doctors to come up with a real prognosis for Peterson's recovery, but he will not be eligible to rejoin the team in practice until Nov. 18.

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