Vikings' Adrian Peterson: May return in late December

Peterson has progressed well in his recovery from surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee and could return in the second half of December, Ben Goessling of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

Following an examination late last week, Peterson may begin to run in the coming days, but a return to practice is likely out of the question for at least a few more weeks. If the running back receives clearance before the end of the season, he would bolster a backfield that has been riding Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata, who have averaged a shade under 3.0 yards per carry as a tandem this season.