Arizona Cardinals Roster, Injury News 2017: Adrian Peterson Ends Season on Injured Reserve Due to a Neck Injury
Arizona Cardinals running back Adrian Peterson has been ruled out for the rest of the season as he continues to deal with a neck injury.
During a press conference on Friday, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians announced that Peterson was heading to the injured reserve list, and later that day, the seven-time Pro Bowler also released a statement confirming the move.
"The good news is my neck injury doesn't require surgery, but I'm told by Dr. Robert Watkins that the best thing for me is just more rest than the length of the season," Peterson wrote in the statement.
"Obviously I'm disappointed about going on IR when my body is still able to produce, but I look forward to returning completely healthy for another season in 2018. I'm grateful for the opportunity that the Arizona Cardinals have given me to show I can still contribute on an NFL team," he continued.
It appears that Peterson's not ready to hang up his boots.
The four-time first-team All-Pro running back signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints during the 2017 offseason, but he was a poor fit in their offense. The Saints realized their error early in the season and they shipped him to Arizona in October for a conditional sixth-round draft pick.
Well, the Cardinals happened to be the perfect landing spot for his style of play. The team was desperately looking for someone to jumpstart their rushing attack after starter David Johnson dislocated his left wrist in the season opener and Peterson gave them exactly what they needed.
Of course, it's interesting to note that Johnson is set to make his return next season, so Peterson may not see much action once he's back. However, Arians believes the both of them can co-exist in the backfield.
In six games with the Cardinals, Peterson rushed for 448 yards and two touchdowns on 129 carries.