Peterson to practice

Just 10 days since tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, running back Adrian Peterson will practice today on a limited basis, but it could be another week before he gets back in the lineup.

Coach Brad Childress said the team will continue to proceed cautiously with Peterson, who is scheduled to go through some "football-specific" drills under the direction of running backs coach Eric Bieniemy.

Asked if the team's No. 1 draft choice remains a long shot for Sunday's game at the New York Giants, Childress answered coyly.

"You know, I wish I had my horse sheet here," he said. "Maybe it depends on the track. I don't know. Yeah, he's upgraded, but I don't know what the next thing is. You'd have to look on your racing sheet or racing form."

Childress said Peterson will undergo a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging test before being cleared to return but said he was unaware if the player will visit renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

Barring complications, Peterson appears to be on track to return for the Dec. 2 game against Detroit, but Childress said the team hasn't targeted a specific game.

"I don't put any restrictions on him," Childress said. "Nothing surprises me with what that kid does. To be back out here, again, I'm always on the pessimistic side, but I acquiesce to the medical side, and if that's the next step, that's the next step. I'm not going to diminish any expectations."

Practice update: Wearing a brace on his right knee, Peterson was in uniform for the start of the pads-and-shorts, indoor practice and participated in all the early drills.

Fullback Tony Richardson (knee) and cornerback Antoine Winfield (hamstring) were the only two players missing.