Adrian Peterson Reinstatement Announcement From Minnesota Vikings- Will Running Back Play This Week?

The Minnesota Vikings today released a statement on the status of star running back Adrian Peterson, following his recent 'no contest' plea to a misdemeanour assault charge. Amid rumors that his time in Minnesota could be over, The Vikings website announced that: 

"In regards to Adrian Peterson's status with the Minnesota Vikings, at this time his potential reinstatement is under NFL guidelines. As an organization, we respect and understand the league's process. In the interim, our focus is on the team and preparing for this weekend's game against the Bears."

Peterson is now awaiting the results of an NFL review under the league's personal conduct policy after pleading no contest to a misdemeanour assault charge stemming from an incident involving his 4-year-old son.

As a result of the plea deal, Peterson will serve no jail time, but will pay a $4,000 fine, be on probation and has 80 hours of community service to perform. The league announced last week that they wouldn't immediately reinstate Peterson following his plea deal.   

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport yesterday reported that the Vikings organization is split on the subject of Peterson's reinstatement and possible return to the team for the rest of the year.  

CBS Sports Jason La Canfora, meanwhile writes that the organization are worried about Peterson's "physical and mental state".   

The 4-5 Vikings are due to take on the ailing Chicago Bears (3-6) at Soldier's Field in Chicago this Sunday. For Peterson to play in the game - and participate fully in a week of practice - it appears that the league and the Vikings would have to agree on reinstatement by Tuesday, an unlikely outcome given the apparent sentiments across the league and in the Vikings organization.