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According to a report from K-TWIN Vikings Analyst Sean Jensen, Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson will not play against the Eagles. Jensen reports that Vikings teammates have been made aware of Peterson's official status.
#Vikings players informed tonight that RB Adrian Peterson will not play against the #Eagles.
— Sean Jensen (@seankjensen) December 15, 2013
Peterson missed practice during the week and was listed as "questionable" on the team's Friday injury report.
To make matters worse for the Vikings, backup running back Toby Gerhart, initially listed as questionable, is also not expected to play.
And #Vikings RB Toby Gerhart also not expected to play, which means lots of Matt Asiata and even Joe Banyard.
— Sean Jensen (@seankjensen) December 15, 2013
Matt Asiata, an undrafted free agent in 2011, will likely handle carries for Minnesota. Asiata has only recorded 3 career NFL rushing attempts. Minnesota signed practice squad running back Joe Banyard to the team's active roster on Saturday in order to provide depth at the position. The Vikings also could give some touches to fullback Jerome Felton.
The drop off in talent from Peterson and Gerhart to players like Asiata and Banyard figures to be significant. The Eagles rank solid against the run with only 112.8 rushing yards per game allowed, which is good for 16th in the NFL.
The Vikings (3-9-1) are dealing with a number of injury issues, as indicated on the team's final injury report. Losing two key offensive players is bad news for an already struggling Vikings team. Meanwhile, the Eagles (8-5) will be looking to take advantage of the Vikings' misfortune to build on their five game winning streak.
The Eagles and Vikings kickoff at 1 PM EST on Sunday.
