Vikings: Adrian Peterson will practice this week, expected to play Sunday vs. Saints

The verdict is in: Adrian Peterson is returning to the Minnesota Vikings. 

The team confirmed Monday the star running back will practice in full this week as Minnesota prepares for its Week 3 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. 

Owners Zygi and Mark Wilf released this statement via the team's official website: 

Today’s decision was made after significant thought, discussion and consideration. As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday’s game, this is clearly a very important issue. On Friday, we felt it was in the best interests of the organization to step back, evaluate the situation, and not rush to judgment given the seriousness of this matter. At that time, we made the decision that we felt was best for the Vikings and all parties involved.

To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child. At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action. This is a difficult path to navigate, and our focus is on doing the right thing. Currently we believe we are at a juncture where the most appropriate next step is to allow the judicial process to move forward.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support Adrian’s fulfillment of his legal responsibilities throughout this process.

Peterson turned himself in to authorities this past weekend after being indicted on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child.  

Minnesota lost 30-7 to the New England Patriots without the services of Peterson on Sunday, dropping to 1-1.