Lions to keep Adrian Peterson as lead running back for now

One can only guess how much 35-year-old running back Adrian Peterson has left in the tank. 

The Detroit Lions are bound to find out by pushing Peterson until he hits empty. 

As Michael Rothstein of ESPN explained, Detroit offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell suggested to reporters on Tuesday that the Lions will keep Peterson their lead back for as long as he seems capable of handling the role. 

"I've told you, this guy is a freak of nature now," Bevell said. "I don't know where that wall is or where he's going to hit it. The guy is always asking for more. He is in great shape. He takes care of his body. He does all those little things to set himself up for that success.

"I don't know when it's going to happen, but he wants (the ball), we want him to have it and we'll just keep continuing to go there and spell him with Kerryon (Johnson), spell him with (D'Andre) Swift and kind of go from there."

Peterson signed with the Lions after the Washington Football Team released him before Week 1, in part, because of his relationship with Bevell that developed when both were with the Minnesota Vikings. Thus far, the experiment has paid off for all involved. 

Three games into the season, Peterson leads the Lions in rushing attempts (43), rushing yards (209), and rushing yards per attempt (4.9). Peterson hit double-digit carries in each of Washington's five December games last year, an indication that those waiting for him to ask for some rest this fall may not want to hold their breaths. 

Back in June, Peterson hinted that he could try to remain active in the league through 2023. We wouldn't recommend betting against him.