The countdown will be on the moment Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (6-foot-1, 217 pounds) reports to training camp, a little less than seven months removed from left knee reconstruction.
But the smart money says it'll be at least a couple of weeks -- perhaps after the first exhibition game on Aug. 10 at San Francisco -- before he's activated from the camp/physically unable to perform list. That still would give him plenty of time to ramp up and play some role in the Sept. 9 opener.
Toby Gerhart (6-0, 231) figures to shoulder a heavier load until Peterson's back to his Pro Bowl form, which could take all season.
Peterson is current our 15th RB in standard scoring formats. We wouldn't touch him at his current 2nd round ADP. Peterson may very well come into true form later in the season for the fantasy stretch run or playoffs, but we're not counting on much to start the season. Gerhart has an ADP of the 11th round, so if you do end up with Peterson, or protected him in a keeper league, it's a good idea to take Gerhart a round or so early.
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