Fantasy owners who stashed Adrian Peterson in hopes of getting a boost late in the season received a body blow Tuesday, with the league's announcement that Peterson has been suspended for the remainder of the season.
Peterson, who had been on the league's Exempt/Commissioner's Permission list since Sept. 17, was hoping to return for the final six weeks of the season after accepting a plea deal in his case last week. However, the announcement of Peterson's suspension and the Vikings' statement of non-support for Peterson seems to indicate that his chances of seeing the field this season are essentially gone.
The NFLPA has already announced it will appeal the suspension, but is there any reason at this point to think the Vikings would welcome Peterson back into the fold with open arms? "We respect the league's decision and will have no further comment at this time," hardly sounds like the statement of a team that is going to fight to get Peterson back on the field, does it? Even if he is reinstated, will the Vikings be willing to make him active every week, especially when reports have indicated he may not be a long-term part of their plans beyond this season anyways?
Though there is a slim chance Peterson could still return, it probably isn't something you want to pin your hopes on. If you can spare the roster spot, it probably isn't hurting you to keep him on the end of your bench, but don't expect much out of it. At this point, both Jerick McKinnon (79 percent owned) and Matt Asiata (73 percent) should both be valued over Peterson.