The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Peterson has said he’ll be surprised and disappointed if he misses the first game of the season because of the torn ACL, MCL and meniscus he suffered at the end of the 2011 season, but he’s less confident about his ability to answer the bell for training camp. Peterson spoke to Josina Anderson of ESPN about his outlook for camp and expressed some doubts about going full steam when the Vikings get to Mankato. “To be honest with you I feel like 50-50," he said about being ready when camp opens.
Diehards Line:"I’ll be able to participate doing certain things," Peterson continued. "I think I’ll be able to participate. I’m going to be all the way honest with you. I feel like I will be able to get out there and you call a run play or whatever, I’ll be able to go through practice. That’s how I feel. That’s my mindset; but I’m going to follow the protocol. Whatever the Vikings and their staff want me to do, then I’m gonna do that; but I’m not going to hinder myself. ..." That leaves plenty of wiggle room -- especially since the Vikings have made it clear they intend to take a cautious approach. We'll continue to follow up -- but we'll also continue to advise against getting your hopes up -- whether it's the start of training camp or Week 1 of the regular season.