National Football League

Vikings running backs Peterson, Gerhart out vs Philadelphia Sunday

Published Dec. 15, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Adrian Peterson has been ruled out of Minnesota's game against Philadelphia because of a sprained right foot.

Peterson returned to practice Friday, and the Vikings expressed optimism about the 2012 NFL MVP playing Sunday against the Eagles. But with the Vikings out of playoff contention, they decided not to risk his health. Backup Toby Gerhart was also on the inactive list because of a hamstring injury.

That left Matt Asiata, who had three career regular-season carries coming into the game, as the featured back. Joe Banyard was signed to the active roster from the practice squad for depth, and fullback Jerome Felton was expected to get the ball, too.