Vikings coach Leslie Frazier says rookie quarterback Christian Ponder has a hip pointer following Sunday's loss to Denver and will be watched closely this week in practice. Frazier also says Adrian Peterson is “very close” to returning from his high ankle sprain.

Adrian Peterson was back on the field Thursday for the first time since spraining his ankle against Oakland. The Vikings will need all the help they can get to avoid their fifth-straight loss Sunday in Detroit. Quarterback Christian Ponder did not practice, due to a hip pointer injury.

Head coach Leslie Frazier is "optimistic" that Adrian Peterson will play Sunday when the Vikings host the 10-3 New Orleans Saints. Peterson has missed the last three-and-a-half games with a high ankle sprain.

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier assured Friday that he's keeping quarterback Christian Ponder as his starter despite the team's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday night. Barring injury, Frazier said, "Christian is going to be fine."

Vikings' quarterback Christian Ponder says Leslie Frazier told him they will "get a lot of wins together" following Sunday's disappointing loss to the Raiders. Ponder threw three interceptions in the game, but Frazier remains confident in the rookie QB.

Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier says Adrian Peterson is "questionable" for Sunday's game against Denver. Peterson is nursing a high ankle sprain. He sat out last week's loss to Atlanta.

Adrian Peterson removed the walking boot from his sprained left ankle Friday, but he was still unable to practice. Head coach Leslie Frazier says Peterson is “very, very doubtful” for Sunday’s game in Atlanta. The only players who are officially out for the game are Husain Abdullah and Anthony Herrera.

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier says the offensive line has to do a better job protecting quarterback Christian Ponder, and Ponder has to play better as well. But when it comes to benching Ponder for Joe Webb: No chance, right now.