The Facts: Peterson, who underwent surgery to repair a right lateral meniscus tear on Sept. 22, is making solid progress in his recovery and could be back on the field for the Minnesota Vikings by mid-to-late December, according to league sources.

Diehards Line: ESPN.com's Ben Geossling went on to suggest Peterson had an exam late last week and could start running this week. Though the three-time rushing champion is said to be exercising caution in his return from the knee injury he sustained on Sept. 18 against the Green Bay Packers, he could make his return before the end of the regular season. If Peterson stays on track, two possibilities for his return could be a home game against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 18 or the Vikings' rematch against the Packers at Lambeau Field on Dec. 24 -- five years to the day since Peterson tore his left ACL against the Washington Redskins. The Vikings waived Ronnie Hillman on Monday, leaving them with just Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata at running back, but an eventual Peterson return would change the dynamics of the Vikings' offense. We'll be watching for more.