An Early Outlook on Adrian Peterson’s 2012 Fantasy Value  

As we continue to pour over combine footage of draft prospects and prepare our network of fantasy sites for the 2012 season  – it’s imperative to recruit some new blood to ensure that we provide our devoted readers with enough content to keep you one step ahead of the competition.

Today we present our first in what we hope becomes a fixture of  guest writer articles. Kevin English (www.goldstargames.com) was kind enough to provide us with his take on Adrian Peterson’s devastating injury and its affect on the 2012 fantasy landscape. Enjoy the read and look forward to future pieces from our new recruits.

An Early Outlook on Adrian Peterson

This past Christmas wasn’t exactly kind to Adrian Peterson. On December 24th (Week 16) he tore his ACL and MCL, also suffering damage to his meniscus.

You don’t need to be a doctor to understand that’s a serious trio of injuries. But just how long will he be out?  And what kind of contribution can fantasy owners (and the Vikings) expect from him in 2012?

It’s early in the offseason, sure, but it’s never too early to get a read on any player’s status – especially someone of Peterson’s skill and potential.  Plus, given the nature of his injury, it’s likely we won’t have a definitive read on his status until the heart of the summer. In other words, fantasy owners will likely have to enter their draft facing the unknown. And Vikings fans might have to endure some sleepless nights.

Below, I’ll recap each pertinent development in his recovery, moving from his surgery to where he stands today. Then, I’ll get into his prospects for fantasy drafts this summer.

• A.D went under the knife on December 30th – just 6 days after suffering his injury.
• On January 13th, ESPN 1500 Twin Cities reported that Peterson shed his crutches.  It’s noteworthy because he did it just 2 weeks removed from surgery. I guess what most say about him being one of the hardest working guys in the league…is true.
• In a February 16th column by Vikings beat writer Judd Zulgad, Vikings GM Rick Spielman was quoted as saying Peterson is doing “very good” in his rehab. Spielman added that, “he’ll be extremely close to being ready” for Minnesota’s season opener in September. By that date, Peterson will be roughly 9 months removed from surgery. It’s quite the turnaround, even for a player of Peterson’s rigorous work ethic.

For the first time since his rookie season, Peterson’s trending towards being selected outside of the 1st round of fantasy drafts.  In fact, the smart money – which I’m buying – is on Peterson beginning next season the PUP list, a move that would shelve him for the first 6 games.  After all, the last thing the Vikings want to do is rush their franchise player back into the mix – only to put him at risk for further injury.

Spielman’s upbeat quotes about his star runner are encouraging, but I can’t help but think he’s merely being optimistic.  Saying Peterson is recovering from a serious injury is putting it lightly. At the end of the day, you don’t want your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round pick to carry this much risk – even if the upside is through the roof. And Vikings fans, as frustrating as it might be, exercise patience here. You know more than anyone that Peterson, still young at 26 (turning 27 in March) could emerge from this stronger and better than ever.

Kevin English is a blog contributor for Gold Star Games, a tailgating games company. Gold Star Games, LLC is a family owned and operated sports merchandise business in beautiful West Palm Beach, Florida. Started in early 2008, Gold Star Games has served over 10,000 customers in all 50 states including 10 foreign countries.

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