EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Vikings running back Adrian Peterson said Wednesday that playing again this season is "something I envision."
Peterson suffered a torn meniscus in his knee in Minnesota's Week 2 win over Green Bay.
While Minnesota's all-time franchise rushing leader said he hopes to play again this season, Peterson added he will not return in the coming weeks if the 6-6 Vikings are eliminated from playoff contention.
"No, I wouldn't," Peterson said. "For obvious reasons I'm not going to get into details about that.
"But my vision is making it to the playoffs," he added. "That's what I believe and what I have my eyes on right now."
Peterson did not reveal which game he is targeting for a potential return. The Vikings play in Jacksonville on Sunday before returning home against Indianapolis on Dec. 18. Minnesota finishes its regular-season slate at Green Bay on Dec. 24 before hosting Chicago on Jan. 1.
"I'm going to keep that among the coaches and training staff right now," Peterson said. "I'm focusing on getting my body ready, conditioning and getting back to doing the things I'd have to do on the football field.
"That's my main focus right now," he added.
Peterson, who had 31 carries for 50 yards in roughly six quarters this season, said he feels strong both physically and mentally.
"I can cut and do things like that," Peterson said. "But cutting out there with no one around you is a lot different than cutting and avoiding defenders. I'm working toward being able to do that.
"I feel like I'm there. Mentally, that's how I feel and I feel like I was there six weeks ago," Peterson later added. "I guess that's why I'm able to heal a lot faster and jump over hurdles that people wouldn't expect me to be jumping over as of now. I'm just taking things in stride and controlling the things I can control."
Peterson credited Vikings Head Athletic Trainer Eric Sugarman and a team of other specialists and doctors for helping speed up his recovery process.
"It's not only just Sug, it's a lot of people that have been involved," Peterson said. "I've been working with several guys to come back and get back to my old ways. It's been a collective group.
"God really has blessed me to be able to heal a lot faster than others," Peterson added. "You guys have seen that with 2012 and the ACL, and with this injury it has been the same."
Peterson has 11,725 career rushing yards and 97 career rushing touch
