Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has revealed that he is nearing full strength and that he hopes to play a role during off-season workouts.
The former league MVP underwent groin surgery in January, with the injury having disrupted much of his 2013 campaign.
This is the third consecutive year that 28-year-old Peterson has required an operation, with ACL reconstruction and hernia surgeries being needed in 2012 and 2013.
On Wednesday, he told reporters: "I can't really put a date on it, but I do look forward to participating. Right now the most important thing is getting healthy and that's what I'm doing.
"I'm rehabbing, working out still, trying to get the body back to where it needs to be to play. I can't sit here and say that I'm back right now, but I am not far off at all."
Having broken the 2,000 rushing yard barrier the previous year, Peterson was held to 1,266 yards from 14 appearances last season before the groin problem took its toll.
Joe McPhee
