UPDATE: The NFL has rejected an attempt at immediate reinstatement from Adrian Peterson's camp and refuse to discuss any potential settlement of his playing status at this time.
The Minnesota Vikings are still unsure whether or not they will allow running back Adrian Peterson to play should he be taken off the NFL's exempt list.
Minnesota will "continue to have internal discussions" about Adrian Peterson and if he "should be allowed to play this season," according to Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Peterson entered into a plea agreement with Texas prosecutors that will allow him to avoid any jail time in his child abuse case, and possibly return to the field sooner. The star running back is Minnesota's all-time leading rusher, and was supposed to pair with rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to form an effective offense.
"One likely scenario for Goodell would be to suspend Peterson retroactively for the eight games he has missed and then fine the running back an amount equal to the salary he earned during that time," said Michael McCann, the founding director of the New Hampshire-based Sports and Entertainment Law Institute.
"While the move would cost Peterson millions in lost salary, it would get the running back on the field quickly and allow Goodell to wash his hands of the matter while also appearing to take a tough stance."
Peterson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of reckless injury to his 4-year-old son, and was fined $4,000. Peterson will also serve two years of probation, and is required to perform 80 hours of community service.
The Minnesota Vikings are on a bye this week and will next play the Chicago Bears on Nov. 16. It is possible that an agreement between Peterson and the NFL could be reached in time for him to be eligible to return in that game. The Vikings (4-5) rank 29th in total offense so far this season.
