Peterson a non-factor vs. former team.

Adrian Peterson spent more time watching from the sideline in his return to Minnesota than romping around the field, an introductory performance for New Orleans that became an afterthought once the Saints fell behind.

With Dalvin Cook patiently waiting for space and bursting around the edge, the Vikings formally turned the page in the backfield.

Sam Bradford started his second year with Minnesota in style, passing for 346 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-19 victory on Monday night by the Vikings that spoiled Peterson’s first game with the Saints.

“I really didn’t know what to expect coming in,” said Peterson, 32, who spent 10 seasons with the Vikings while winning a league MVP award and becoming their all-time leading rusher by nearly 5,000 yards.

“We talked about running the ball a little more and for whatever reason got away from it. That’s how the game played out.”

Booed by the crowd upon his first couple of mentions by the public address announcer, Peterson was limited to six carries and 18 yards in equal time with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.

Peterson was seen on camera at one point yelling at coach Sean Payton, a confrontation Peterson played down afterward.

“Listen, I’d tell you if we were in a heated exchange,” Payton said, “so why don’t you ask him?”

Peterson pinned his frustration on play calling that strayed from running inside, not at Payton for minimizing his use.

“There is no conflict. Let’s not try to spin it like there is,” Peterson said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Payton and his offense. He’s a great mind. We’re going to learn from this.”

Sense of optimism: The anxiety among the Pittsburgh Steelers after defensive end Stephon Tuitt left two plays into their season-opening win over Cleveland with a left biceps injury has been replaced by something else: optimism.

Not only will Tuitt, 24, be back in the huddle at some point this season, coach Mike Tomlin thinks there’s a chance — albeit a small one — Tuitt will be available for next weekend’s visit by Minnesota.

Tuitt signed a six-year, $61 million contract extension on the eve of the opener and then exited Sunday after tackling Browns running back Isaiah Crowell for a 9-yard loss on Cleveland’s second play from scrimmage.

Cardinals moves: The Arizona Cardinals have placed all-pro David Johnson on injured reserve and re-signed veteran running back Chris Johnson.

The team also signed ex-Arizona State running back D.J. Foster, 23, off the New England practice squad.

ESPN reported Tuesday that David Johnson, 25, would undergo surgery on his dislocated left wrist and would be sidelined two to three months.