The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... The Vikings officials have communicated with Peterson since last Thursday's ruling by a federal judge that enabled team officials to reach out to the star running back. "We've had open dialogue,' general manager Rick Spielman said Monday. "I'll just say it's beneficial that we're able to talk to him just like it's beneficial we're able to talk to any player."

Diehards Line: U.S. District Judge David Doty of Minneapolis last Thursday vacated a Dec. 12 arbitration award that favored the NFL, clearing the way for Peterson to be reinstated from a suspension for a child-abuse incident. The NFL said it had filed a notice of appeal, a process that could last to June, but Peterson was moved from the suspension back to the commissioner's exempt list, enabling Vikings officials to communicate with him. Spielman wouldn't say who in the organization has talked to Peterson since last Thursday's ruling. He said HC Mike Zimmer is allowed full communication. "We are able to have communication now with Adrian,' Spielman said. "We'll keep all those communications internal. I don't want to sit here and give you guys a blow-by-blow every day. I think it's been very clearly stated that we want Adrian Peterson back. There's no question about the talent and he's a unique talent and he's under contract with us.' Peterson has three years left on his contract, including $12.75 due in 2015, but none of it is guaranteed. ... Stay tuned.