Minnesota Vikings NFL Playoffs roster news 2016: Adrian Peterson nursing back injury as postseason begins

Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings is shown in this file photo.(Reuters)

Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson will enter the 2016 National Football League (NFL) playoffs with a lower back injury suffered last Sunday in their huge win over the Green Bay Packers. 

Peterson sustained the injury in the third quarter and left the game, according to Sports Illustrated, but returned in the fourth quarter to help the Vikings seal the win. 

The Seattle Times mentioned in a report that Peterson said the injury will not prevent him from playing in their Wildcard Playoff clash with the Seattle Seahawks. 

Peterson finished the game versus the Packers with 19 carries for 67 yards and one touchdown. 

Overall, the 30-year-old former Most Valuable Player (MVP) ended the 2015 regular season as the league's leading rusher with 1,485 rushing yards. 

Last Sunday's win helped the Vikings capture their first National Football Conference (NFC) North title since 2009, and also ended Green Bay's reign on top of the division for four consecutive seasons (2011–14).

If in any chance Peterson will be unable to play versus the Seahawks because of the lower back injury or any potential setbacks, Minnesota has to rely on backup running back Jerick McKinnon and third-string rusher Matt Asiata. 

Both McKinnon and Asiata are ready since they have played in all 16 games in the regular season. 

This season, McKinnon has 52 carries for 271 yards and two touchdowns, while Asiata has 29 carries for 112 yards. 

However, it is not going to be easy for Peterson, his fellow running backs, and the Vikings' offense since they are set to take on Seattle's Legion of Boom, one the best defensive lineups in the National Football League (NFL). 

The last time the Vikings took on Seattle was in Week 13 when they lost and Peterson was limited to only eight carries for 18 yards, his worst of the season. 

Although the Vikings would have home field advantage for the game versus the Seahawks which will be held at the TFC Bank Stadium this Sunday, Jan. 10.