Vikings teammates say they'd welcome Peterson back, if star running back allowed to return

FILE - In this Aug. 8, 2014, file photo, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson leaves the field after an NFL preseason football game against the Oakland Raiders in Minneapolis. Adrian Peterson avoided jail time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in a plea agreement reached with prosecutors to resolve his child abuse case. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Aug. 8, 2014, file photo, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs off the field after a exhibition NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Adrian Peterson avoided jail time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in a plea agreement reached with prosecutors to resolve his child abuse case. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) (The Associated Press)

Adrian Peterson has been away from the Minnesota Vikings for almost two months.

If he returns this season, teammates would welcome him without hesitation.

That was the consensus from players asked about Peterson, who avoided jail time and a trial on the child abuse charge against him with a plea agreement Tuesday in Texas.

Now the question is whether he will rejoin the Vikings this season. He has been on paid leave, via a special roster exemption issued by the NFL.

General manager Rick Spielman said prior to Peterson's court hearing the Vikings would not comment "until it's appropriate to speak." After the plea agreement was reached, league spokesman Brian McCarthy said there was no timetable for the determination of Peterson's status.

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