Adrian Peterson to have knee surgery Thursday, will miss multiple games

Adrian Peterson will have surgery on Thursday to repair the torn meniscus in his right knee, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer confirmed Wednesday. Peterson injured his knee during the third quarter of the Minnesota Vikings’ 17-14 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night.

Zimmer said he won’t know how long Peterson will be out until after the surgery is done on Thursday -- maybe a few weeks to several months. Peterson told ESPN's Josina Anderson he has a "bucket handle tear" to his meniscus, and expects to miss multiple games. The running back said he’s approaching his surgery and recovery with “faith and optimism.”

Zimmer said Jerick McKinnon will start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.McKinnon and Matt Asiata have each been involved in the offense through the first two games – Asiata with 10 carries for 27 yards and McKinnon with 3 carries for 8 yards. In 2014, Asiata and McKinnon combined for 1,108 yards rushing, 447 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns (all by Asiata) as Peterson served a suspension.

The Vikings have also signed former Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman, who was cut at the end of preseason.

Adrian's injury

Peterson was injured with 3:32 remaining in the third quarter, following a 5-yard run – his longest rush of the game. It’s been a slow start to 2016 for Adrian Peterson. After gaining just 31 yards on 19 carries in Week 1 against Tennessee, Peterson gained only 19 yards on 12 carries against the Packers.

STATEMENT FROM THE VIKINGS ON AP'S SURGERY

GOOD NEWS – Stefon Diggs named NFC Offensive Player of the Week

Stefon Diggs had a career high 182 receiving yards and a touchdown on 9 receptions in the victory over the Packers. After two weeks, Diggs leads the NFL with 285 receiving yards on 16 catches. He’s the third Vikings with back-to-back 100-yard receiving games in weeks one and two and the first since Chris Carter in 1997.