PETERSON RETURNS TO PRACTICE
eden prairie, minn» Adrian Peterson is returning to practice this week for the Minnesota Vikings for the first time since tearing meniscus in his right knee in September.
Coach Mike Zimmer says he expects Peterson to practice all week. He is not sure if his star running back will be available to play the Indianapolis Colts this weekend.
Peterson told a local website earlier this week that he is still targeting the game against Green Bay on Dec. 24 to make his return to the field. He tore his meniscus Sept. 18 against Green Bay and has missed the last 11 games.
Owners lack optimism
B irving, texas » NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell isn’t saying whether he’s optimistic that San Diego and Oakland can keep their teams, while Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay considers both franchises all but gone.
Dean Spanos of the Chargers and the Raiders’ Mark Davis weren’t talking at the NFL owners meeting Wednesday. And no new specifics were revealed by Goodell a day after city and county officials in Oakland agreed to open negotiations with an investment group on a $1.3 billion plan for a new stadium.
“The challenges of getting stadiums built is something that we’ve worked very hard on,” Goodell said. “We have not made great progress in Oakland and San Diego. There is not a stadium proposal on the table that we think addresses the long-term issues of the clubs and the communities.”
The Chargers face a Jan. 15 deadline to decide whether to join the Rams in Los Angeles, part of a deal struck almost a year ago when owners agreed to let the Rams leave St. Louis.
Cardinals release Floyd
B tempe, ariz.» In an abrupt move that stunned his teammates, the Cardinals released wide receiver Michael Floyd, two days after the 2012 first-round draft pick was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and failure to obey a police officer.
Raiders look to rebound
B alameda, calif.» After playing perhaps his worst game as a pro on the biggest stage he’s had in three seasons in the NFL, Raiders quarterback Derek Carr wanted to get back on the field the day after his loss in Kansas City.
Instead, Carr will have to wait 10 days for another shot when Oakland (10-3) visits San Diego (5-8) on Sunday.
Despite that loss, the Raiders can clinch a playoff spot with a win against the Chargers and end a 13-year postseason drought.
Rodgers sits out practice
B green bay, wis.» Aaron Rodgers missed practice to focus on rehabbing his leg injuries, a plan that coach Mike McCarthy says will likely stay in place for the quarterback through practice Thursday.
But signs point to Rodgers still being ready to play Sunday in Chicago.
Rodgers hurt his left hamstring a few weeks ago against the Philadelphia Eagles. He hurt his right calf while throwing a 66yard touchdown pass to Davante Adams on the third play of Sunday’s 38-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.