it has to win its final three games to make the playoffs.

It's a big lift for the Vikings, whose offense has struggled to score points and sustain drives in short-yardage situations. Peterson had just 50 yards on 31 carries behind a porous offensive line in the first two weeks, but adding a player with his playmaking ability to a unit that is last in the league in rushing offense can only help matters.

Now the only thing that remains to be seen is how quickly Peterson can get back to the explosive runner he has always been. By the time the Vikings and Colts kickoff on Sunday, three months will have passed since Peterson's injury and it could take some time for him to work his way back upto playing speed.

It also marks a bit of a risk for Peterson from the standpoint of his long-term future. The 31-year-old is set to make $18 million next season and his contract will almost certainly need to be renegotiated if he wants to remain in Minnesota. Another injury over these final three weeks or subpar production could cost him if he hits the open market.

But Peterson doesn't appear to be concerned with that end of things. He chose the surgery he did to increase his chances of long-term health. Had he chosen a different method to repair the injury, he likely would have missed less time this season but would have been more likely to have lingering knee issues later in his career and his life.

''After a week,