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Vikings could have Peterson back against Lions

Dec 2, 2007 - 12:31 PM Detroit (6-5) at Minnesota (5-6) 1:00 pm EST

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - Suddenly, the Minnesota Vikings are very much alive in the NFC playoff picture.

Those playoff hopes could get a further boost, as the Vikings expect to have rookie running back Adrian Peterson in the lineup for Sunday's NFC North contest against the Detroit Lions.

This suddenly is a big game. The Vikings can tie the Lions for second place in the division with a victory.

Four weeks ago, Minnesota's playoff hopes seemed dim after the Vikings dropped to 2-5 following a 23-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on October 28.

Since then, however, Minnesota has won three of four, including last week's stunning 41-17 win over the New York Giants in which the Vikings returned three interceptions for touchdowns.

The Lions have been heading in an opposite direction, having dropped three in a row, including a 37-26 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving.

Now, Detroit might have to face Peterson, who still leads the NFL in rushing despite sitting out the last two games with a torn lateral collateral ligament suffered at Green Bay on November 11.

Peterson underwent a follow-up MRI exam on his right knee Monday, and Vikings coach Brad Childress was encouraged.

"It shows excellent healing in there," Childress said.

The Vikings overcame Peterson's absence to win a pair of games as Chester Taylor filled in capably. Taylor rushed for 164 yards two weeks ago against the Oakland Raiders, then added 77 yards against the Giants.

Minnesota will be looking to avenge a 20-17 Week Two overtime loss at Detroit. In that game, the Lions held to Peterson to 66 yards.

Taylor likely will get a third straight start Sunday, as Childress eases Peterson back into the lineup.

"You're not going to go back there and turn over the whole load to him (Peterson)," Childress said.