Peterson has adductor strain, not knee injury

Adrian Peterson is back on the sidelines after returning from an 11-game absence last week. But the Minnesota Vikings running back isn't battling a pre-existing injury, he's instead out because of an adductor strain, the star runner told Josina Anderson of ESPN on Saturday.

It was believed the former league MVP was fighting a nagging injury to his knee, but it appears it's the groin ailment that's keeping him out.

Peterson returned from meniscus surgery to play against the Indianapolis Colts last week, but only carried the ball six times for 22 yards.

The Vikings face the Green Bay Packers on Saturday clinging to some faint playoff hopes. At 7-7, they trail the division-leading Detroit Lions by two wins and remain one win behind the Packers before their head-to-head matchup.