Vikings say Adrian Peterson has 'successful knee surgery'

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson underwent surgery to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Friday in Birmingham, Ala., with Dr. James Andrews performing the procedure.

"We've received word that Adrian underwent successful knee surgery with Dr. James Andrews and is now resting comfortably," Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said in a statement on the team's website. "Adrian is in our thoughts, we wish him a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing him when he returns to Minnesota."

Peterson tore the ACL and medial collateral ligament in his knee last Saturday in the Vikings' victory at Washington. The team has expressed optimism that Peterson will be back on the field for the start of the 2012 season, although that seems like a quick timetable.

Peterson is expected to return to the Twin Cities on Monday.

Judd Zulgad is a columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts Judd & Dubay from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays and "Saturday Morning SportsTalk" from 10 a.m. to noon on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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