Adrian Peterson Injury: Five Fantasy Football Replacements For Vikings Star

Fantasy football owners and Minnesota Vikings fans were shattered when running back Adrian Peterson left Sunday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers with a right knee injury.

Peterson needed help to walk around after the game, as NFL Network’s Jane Slater captured via Twitter.

Adrian Peterson on crutches as he exits locker room with brace on right knee #Vikings pic.twitter.com/Zpz92qE5r0

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) September 19, 2016

The severity of the injury is not known at this time.

Mike Zimmer said Adrian Peterson would have MRI today, but injury may not be as bad as first feared: "Whatever it was, it calmed down now."

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 19, 2016

Peterson wasn’t performing at an elite level through two games, but that doesn’t mean fantasy owners were going to drop or trade him anytime soon.

Adrian Peterson averaging 1.6 yds per carry so far – fewest rush yds per attempt by player w/ at least 30 rushes since 1970 NFL/AFL merger.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 19, 2016

It’s still a good idea to look for potential replacements for your fantasy team in case Peterson does miss game action.

Jerick McKinnon is the backup to Peterson and becomes a must-own if the former NFL MVP sits out for any length of time. That said, McKinnon has just three carries for eight yards in his career, so he’s not very experienced.

Jerick McKinnon (36 percent ownership on CBS) and Matt Asiata (1 percent ownership). Both will get work if Adrian Peterson (knee) is out.

— Jamey Eisenberg (@JameyEisenberg) September 19, 2016

Tevin Coleman of the Atlanta Falcons and Charles Sims of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two other good options, as is rookie Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans.

Here’s our list of the best fantasy replacements for Peterson.

1) Jerick McKinnon, MIN
2) Jay Ajayi, MIA
3) Tevin Coleman, ATL
4) Fozzy Whittaker, CAR
5) Derrick Henry, TEN