Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson concluded his appeal hearing Thursday and a decision regarding his NFL status is expected within about a week.
The word around the league is split on whether or not Peterson will be eligible to return this season. Peter King of TheMMQB.com seems to think a return is in the cards.
"With Peterson likely (but not certain) to be reinstated by league appeals officer Harold Henderson next week, the ball would be in Minnesota's court as to whether to activate him for the final three games of the year," King wrote.
"We'll hear lots about it this weekend, including whether the Vikings' coaching side is on the same page with the Vikings' front-office."
Some NFL observers do not share King's optimism. Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo noted a "lack of confidence. I'm sensing from the NFL Players Association that they're going to win his appeal. Unlike the Ray Rice case, this is a simple case of Roger Goodell taking action as part of a policy that gives him the power to do so.
"The NFLPA keeps hammering the fact NFL director of football operations Troy Vincent told Adrian Peterson he would be credited for time served, and the union's argument on that point manifested in several reports on Sunday.
"But what many seem to be forgetting here is an NFL spokesman didn't deny the claim and said Peterson was indeed credited with time served. They're saying he was suspended the six-game standard for first-time offenders plus some more time for aggravating circumstances. Goodell outlined in his domestic-violence memo such circumstances included an act committed in the presence of a child and an act with a weapon. Both apply here.
"Vincent's promise of time served, therefore, figures to be a moot point. Expect this to drag out with a federal lawsuit filed by the NFLPA after a failed appeal. This fight is far from over. In fact, it's just getting started."
Fans will just have to wait and see how Henderson rules next week.
