Injury Spin Cycle: Adrian Peterson Gets Two Extra Days of Rest, May Play Tuesday

Oh, mother nature works her magic sometimes, doesn't she? Just when you thought you were going to be without your star running back Adrian Peterson for your championship game this week, the Eagles-Vikings game was postponed and moved to Tuesday night due to inclement weather, giving Peterson two extra days to rest his injured thigh and knee.

According to Peterson's father, Nelson, the Vikings running back is expected to play through the pain on Tuesday when Minnesota lines up against the Eagles. How much stock should we put into Peterson's father's assessment? Not much. But it is better news knowing that Peterson will have an extra 48 hours to figure out whether he can go or not.

If you are in your championship game, which I assume most of you reading this still are, you probably want to be careful with Peterson. Even if he does declare that he'll start it's not certain that he can carry a heavy load. I assume the Vikings will still lean on Toby Gerhart and whichever sub-par quarterback lines up under center, whether it be Brett Favre or Joe Webb.

So while this Peterson update is promising, I would still proceed with caution.

Quarterback

Brett Favre, Vikings - The injury report continues to list Favre as doubtful, but now that he's bought himself two extra days to get ready I imagine that he'll play just so he can keep his streak alive. You should not be starting Favre this or any week, but if you're getting cute and starting Joe Webb, this can't be good news.

Mark Sanchez, Jets - Sanchez proved that his shoulder was in pretty good shape by throwing the ball 37 times against the Bears on Sunday. However, since the Jets ended up clinching a playoff spot with a Jacksonville loss to the Redskins, already it's being reported that Sanchez will sit out in Week 17 in order to have him ready to play in the first round of the playoffs. If you are playing a championship game in Week 17 (what an awful rule!) you should look elsewhere at QB and downgrade your Jets receivers.

Running Back

Knowshon Moreno, Broncos - Moreno gave it a go on Sunday against the Texans, despite a rib injury. He ran the ball just seven times for 19 yards, but did not return to the field in the second half. With the Broncos having nothing to play for in Week 17 expect Correll Buckhalter to get the start for Denver. Buckhalter did run in for a TD and catch a TD this past Sunday, but he's nothing more than a desperation play.

Mike Tolbert, Chargers - Tolbert was knocked out of Sunday's game after spraining his shoulder in the first quarter. He ran the ball just four times before handing the rushing duties over to Ryan Mathews. Tolbert is expected to miss Week 17, making Mathews a must-start in most formats.

Wide Receiver

Calvin Johnson, Lions - Johnson was hobbled on Sunday due to a high ankle sprain he suffered earlier in the week. He is already listed as day-to-day, with the Lions not likely to push him to play in a meaningless Week 17 matchup. We may not see the stud receiver again this season. Stay tuned!