Update: Vikings Adrian Peterson Completes Stage One of Rehab
Last Friday Adrian Peterson sat down with Vikings Head Athletic Trainer Eric Sugarman for a press conference to update his status following his ACL tear. Peterson is now 2 weeks out from a successful surgery and is already making progress to get back on the field in Minnesota.
There are 5 stages in an ACL tear recovery. Peterson just completed the first, which is to get off crutches and begin walking again. This stage is the most mentally draining and physically painful part of the recovery. Peterson said the first week that he was just in a lot of pain and asked himself a lot of questions. Eventually though he said, “it is was it is.” He seems to be at peace with the whole situation and is in very good spirits.
Now that Peterson can walk again the rehab process can officially begin. For the next two weeks he will be riding a stationary bike, training in a pool, and working on his range of motion. After ACL surgery it is crucial not to over do anything, because it takes 10-12 weeks for the replacement tendon to fully strengthen in the knee. Sugarman joked that the toughest part of this process will be to keep Adrian in line, and not let him do too much too fast.
When asked if he had doubts about being able to perform at the same high level again Peterson said, “better than before.” He truly believes that he will be a better football player after the surgery. If he was lacking any motivation before, that certainly won’t be the case now. Peterson already seems to be a driven individual, and this injury will only fuel the fire. But better than before? I’m not sold on that yet.
Sugarman and Peterson both believe he will be ready to go week 1 for the Vikings, and I agree with them. If anyone can get back and play at a Pro Bowl level, it’s Adrian Peterson.
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the rehab process.
Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish
Check out the entire press conference here
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