Vikings activate Adrian Peterson from injured reserve

The Minnesota Vikings are getting a little help in their playoff push.

A day after saying he would play this Sunday, running back Adrian Peterson was activated by the Vikings from the injured reserve-designated to return list.

Defensive tackle Toby Johnson, who was signed to the active roster earlier this week, was released to make room for Peterson.

The running back was hurt in Week 2 against Green Bay and eventually had surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Peterson had just 50 yards on 31 carries behind a porous offensive line in the first two weeks, but adding a player with his playmaking ability to a unit that is last in the league in rushing offense can only help matters.

Now the only thing that remains to be seen is how quickly Peterson can get back to the explosive runner he has always been. By the time the Vikings and Indianapolis Colts kickoff on Sunday, three months will have passed since Peterson’s injury and it could take some time for him to work his way back up to playing speed.

It also marks a bit of a risk for Peterson from the standpoint of his long-term future. The 31-year-old is set to make $18 million next season and his contract will almost certainly need to be renegotiated if he wants to remain in Minnesota. Another injury over these final three weeks or subpar production could cost him if he hits the open market.

The 7-6 Vikings are two games behind Detroit for the NFC North lead but are among a number of teams chasing wild-card spots with three games remaining.