Minnesota Vikings NFL 2015 news: Adrian Peterson back after almost nine-months out

Wikipedia

Running back Adrian Peterson is back with the Minnesota Vikings Tuesday reporting for the team's OTA practice after missing nearly nine months while facing child abuse charges.

Peterson missed 15 games last season because of his legal battles after his son sustained injuries when he disciplined him using a switch.

In February, Peterson's relationship with the Vikings seemed to deteriorate after he said that the team was not that supportive of him while facing the charges, ESPN reported.

Peterson was also hurt by Governor Mark Dayton's statement when he asked the Vikings to take the 2012 NFL MVP off the field.

But everything looks to be in good terms with the 30-year-old returning to Minnesota.

"I'm returning because I want to. I'm a part of this football team and I owe it to the guys I play with and to our coaches," Peterson said through an email he sent to ESPN. "I was planning on coming in this week, and I'm looking forward to getting back on the field. It's what I love to do."

The Vikings said before that they will not trade Peterson despite the charges and after he spoke with Mike Zimmer he is back.

With the 30-year-old staying and not getting traded during the NFL Draft, he seems to be focused on his contract with the Vikings, according to ESPN.

Peterson is set to receive $12.75 million in 2015 with his contract running through 2017 but will no longer have guaranteed money.

According to ESPN, a league source shared that the Vikings gave Peterson no assurances that his contract will be restructured and will include guaranteed money.

"I'll leave those discussions to my agent, but any player wants to guarantee his future as much as possible. I'm focused on what I need to do on the field, what I need to do to prepare for the season," Peterson said regarding his contract according to ESPN.