Report: Adrian Peterson To Start Against Bengals

The NFL's best running back wasn't going to stay down forever, and will reportedly be back this afternoon at Paul Brown Stadium.

Adrian Peterson, who missed last Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, will apparently be starting for the Minnesota Vikings this afternoon against the Cincinnati Bengals. Peterson suffered a foot injury in the Vikings' previous road game, a 29-26 loss against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14.

Peterson is currently second in the National Football League in rushing behind Philadelphia's LeSean McCoy. He is attempting to become the first running back to follow up a 2,000-yard rushing season by leading the NFL in rushing, and currently sits 122 yards behind McCoy in that category. McCoy currently has 1,343 yards rushing, while Peterson has 1,221.

The reigning NFL MVP is also attempting to put together the best follow-up to a 2,000-yard season in NFL history. Right now, that mark is held by Barry Sanders, who followed up his 2,053-yard performance in 1997 with 1,491 yards in 1998.

The weather certainly won't be a factor in this one. Unlike the snow in Baltimore when Peterson got hurt, today's forecast for Cincinnati is showing clear skies, no chance of precipitation, and temperatures in the mid-50s.

The report of Peterson starting comes from the St. Paul Pioneer Press.