Sadly, Peterson and injury reports go hand in hand

Six teams passed on Adrian Peterson in last April's draft, mainly because he couldn't stay healthy at Oklahoma.

His combination of size, speed and vision made him one of the most tantalizing prospects in years. But his upright and physical running style that led to a dislocated shoulder, high ankle sprain and broken right clavicle during three seasons with the Sooners also made him a clear big risk/big reward draft pick.

It hasn't taken long for the Vikings to jump on the rollercoaster for a dizzying ride.

After steamrolling through the first half of the season and threatening to make a run at a slew of single-season NFL records, Peterson's season -- and the Vikings' hope for being competitive down the stretch -- took a serious hit when he suffered a partial tear of his lateral collateral ligament in his right knee Sunday.

Minnesota's athletic trained, Eric Sugarman, said there is "absolutely, no question" Peterson will play again this season. There's even a chance he could return after missing just one game -- not that Minnesota has any need to rush its prized possession back into the lineup other than to keep fans in the seats.

Regardless of when Peterson returns to breathe life to the moribund Vikings offense, Minnesota fans have had their first taste of what is likely to be a history of injuries Peterson will have to fight through.

It's too bad, too, because Peterson is unquestionably one of the most exciting talents in the NFL. He's good for the Vikings, and he's great for the game in general. Here's to hoping we see his name associated more with records than with medical reports.