Adrian Peterson still expected to play vs. Panthers

Oct 30, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs the ball before being tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble (20) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite the unthinkable tragedy on Friday with the loss of his two-year-old son, Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson is still expected to start the Week 6 match up against the Carolina Panthers.

If Peterson wanted to skip the game to grieve and be with his family, no one would have been upset with the decision, but instead he plans to go ball out and run harder than ever before as he uses football as a mental escape from the whirlwind of off-field situations.

Peterson spoke to the media on Friday and said he would suit up, and a league source confirmed to ESPN’s Josina Anderson that playing is still the plan.

“There’s no doubt he’s going to play,” the source told ESPN. “It’s not going to happen where Adrian Peterson is not going to suit up for that game.”

Peterson will be playing with a heavy heart, but we have seen in the past that these are the times players come out and put on some of the greatest performances of their careers.

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