Vikings Peterson To Have Surgery Today

BY ESPN

In addition to a torn meniscus, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson also has a torn lateral collateral ligament, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington.

The Vikings denied that Peterson's LCL is torn and Peterson texted ESPN's Josina Anderson back saying, "no torn LCL."

Peterson will have surgery Thursday morning to repair the torn meniscus, the team announced Wednesday. Peterson, who was injured Sunday, told ESPN's Josina Anderson that he has a "bucket handle tear" of the meniscus, which typically has a minimum recovery time of three to four months.

However, the additional damage to Peterson's knee, will likely change that recovery timetable.

"[I'm] doing it with faith and optimism," Peterson told ESPN of the procedure.

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, however, conceded Wednesday that Peterson could miss the rest of the season, but an official determination wouldn't be made until a doctor could assess the extent of the damage Thursday.

"Everything is possible," Zimmer said. "Could be season-ending. Could be three weeks, four weeks. Who knows?"

Peterson had been provided with multiple options about how to treat the injury, and he had been waiting to hear back from Dr. James Andrews, who performed extensive surgery on Peterson's knee in 2011, before making his decision.

Peterson slightly twisted his knee at the end of a 5-yard run Sunday against the Packers. His right foot was briefly stuck under the upper leg of Kyler Fackrell as the Packers linebacker brought him to the ground. Peterson left with 3:32 to play in the third quarter.

Chicago Bears

Quarterback Jay Cutler's thumb injury on his throwing hand is the Bears' biggest injury issue. Veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer is expected to replace Cutler in the starting lineup Sunday night in Dallas, although the Bears have yet to rule out Cutler. Cutler's problem, however, is the tip of the iceberg. The Bears will also be without inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (thumb surgery), outside linebacker Lamarr Houston (torn ACL) and nose tackle Eddie Goldman (high ankle sprain). And defensive backs Adrian Amos (concussion), Bryce Callahan (concussion) and Chris Prosinski (calf) are questionable, too. Not a great beginning to the year for the Bears. -- Jeff Dickerson

Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback Andrew Luck is always at the top of the list when he's on the injury report. He missed Wednesday's practice with a sore right shoulder. This is the fourth time this season that Luck has not practiced or been listed as limited on the team's injury report. When asked if he planned to be team's starter against San Diego on Sunday, Luck said, "Absolutely." -- Mike Wells

Thursday, September 22 Schedule (Time Central)

Houston at New England, 7:25 p.m.

Sunday, September 25 Schedule (All Times Central)

Arizona at Buffalo, noon

Oakland at Tennessee, noon

Cleveland at Miami, noon

Baltimore at Jacksonville, noon

Detroit at Green Bay, noon

Denver at Cincinnati, noon

Minnesota at Carolina, noon

Washington at New York Giants, noon

Los Angeles at Tampa Bay, 3:05 p.m.

San Francisco at Seattle, 3:05 p.m.

New York Jets at Kansas City, 3:25 p.m.

San Diego at Indianapolis, 3:25 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 3:25 p.m.

Chicago at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, September 26 Schedule (Time Central)

Atlanta at New Orleans, 7:30 p.m.