Peterson could return for start of 2012 season

EDEN PRAIRIE, MINN. (AP) - Adrian Peterson has two torn ligaments in his left knee, and the Minnesota Vikings expect the star running back to be ready for the start of the 2012 season.

Peterson not only tore his ACL, but also his MCL when hit in the side of the left knee by Redskins safety DeJon Gomes in the third quarter of Saturday’s 33-26 win over Washington.

An MRI on Saturday revealed the ligament tears and meniscus damage and Peterson will have surgery within seven to 10 days, Vikings head trainer Eric Sugarman said Monday.

Sugarman outlined an eight- to nine-month recovery for Peterson, who signed a seven-year, $100 million contract extension before the season started.

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