It was learned earlier in the day that veteran running back and future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson was set to have a workout with the Tennessee Titans after Most Valuable Player candidate Derrick Henry went down with a foot injury that's requiring him to have surgery Tuesday and that could keep him out through the remainder of the season.
According to Kevin Patra of the NFL's website, the Titans are signing Peterson to their practice squad. It's assumed they will ultimately elevate him to the active roster, perhaps as soon as for this coming Sunday's game at the Los Angeles Rams.
Peterson, 36, spoke with NFL insider Josina Anderson about his decision:
RB Adrian Peterson tells me he is signing with the #Titans. "The workout was good. It feels good to get back into football movement and to sign with a contender. We have big shoes to fill for Derrick Henry who I feel was the front runner for MVP, but I'm looking forward to... 1/2
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 1, 2021
Adrian Peterson to me continued 2/2: "...contributing to the running back room and helping the Titans to win the division and to chase the ultimate goal of winning a championship."
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 1, 2021
Peterson added to me: "I just want to give all glory to God to continue on in my 14th season because it would not be possible without His grace and mercy."
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 1, 2021
Peterson is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection who, per Pro-Football-Reference , is fifth all-time with 14,820 career rushing yards. He spent the 2020 campaign with the Detroit Lions and accumulated 604 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground in 16 games and across 156 carries. He will now be tasked with replacing Henry, the league's leading rusher and best player at his position by a wide margin.
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