Adrian Peterson Downgraded To Out For Sunday

In the hours after Adrian Peterson was listed on the Minnesota Vikings' final injury report as "doubtful," there was the faint sound of Lloyd Christmas saying, "So you're telling me there's a chance."

And now I'm telling you that. . .no, no there is not.

Peterson was officially downgraded from "doubtful" to "out" for the Metrodome finale on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. That means that he will finish the season with 1,266 yards rushing, the second-lowest total in his seven-year career. He also will not lead the league in rushing, meaning that no player has accomplished that feat the year after rushing for 2,000 yards.

As great as it would have been for Peterson to play in Sunday's finale, the reality is that there's no reason for it to happen. The Vikings are already looking to 2014, so there's no point in risking things getting any worse from an injury standpoint. This will also give the team an opportunity to look at Matt Asiata and Joe Banyard as a possible audition for the back-up role next season.

The Vikings also moved linebacker Audie Cole to injured reserve and brought cornerback Robert Steeples up from the practice squad.