EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Adrian Peterson missed the Minnesota Vikings practice on Wednesday due to a "personal matter" coach Leslie Frazier said.
Peterson has been dealing with the death of a 2-year-old son in Sioux Falls, S.D. last week. Frazier wouldn't say if Peterson's absence was in relation to what is going on in Sioux Falls, but he expects Peterson to return to practice on Thursday and only miss the one day of practice in preparation for Monday's night's road game at the New York Giants.
"Yes, as we speak," Frazier said when asked if Peterson would be back Thursday. "You know, he and I will talk later today, but I expect him to be back tomorrow, ready to go."
Frazier acknowledged the tough situation for Peterson when asked on Wednesday.
"This is a very difficult situation, without question, and it has many challenges, many challenges," Frazier said.
Peterson missed practice last Thursday because of a personal matter and it was later revealed he was in Sioux Falls dealing with a situation in which a 2-year-old son of his was in critical condition after allegedly being abused by the reported boyfriend of the boy's mother.
Joseph Robert Patterson was arrested and charged in connection with the case after the boy was examined by doctors after being taken to the hospital, with his injuries consistent with abuse.
Peterson returned to practice Friday and spoke briefly to the media, asking for privacy in the situation. Saturday he confirmed on Twitter the boy was his son when he tweeted "We are currently not posting photos of my son who passed away."
Peterson played in Sunday's game and had 10 carries for 62 yards in a 35-10 loss.
"It's tough," Peterson said after the game. "It's a crazy situation. Anytime you lose a child, no matter the circumstances, it hurts. I can't describe it. But I've got a good supporting cast surrounding me."
Smith, Jefferson out: Safety Harrison Smith wasn't at the open portion of Wednesday's practice for the Vikings. Smith left Sunday's game with a turf toe injury and was seen in the locker room with a walking boot.
Frazier said he would comment on the team's injury situation on Thursday. Smith declined comment in the locker room.
Cornerback A.J. Jefferson was in uniform, but didn't appear to be practicing fully on Wednesday. Jefferson didn't have a helmet with him for the portion of practice open to the media. No injury had been announced with Jefferson following Sunday's game.
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