RIVER FALLS, Wis. - Adrian Peterson didn't pile up any official stats, and there wasn't a log of his minutes of live action on the practice fields at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

But his mere participation Saturday was noteworthy for the Vikings.

"It's nice to see him out there," Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. "Obviously, you could see his speed. He still has a long way to go as far as catching up mentally, but he's doing a nice job."

Although the practice lasted just over an hour, Peterson teased Viking fans on a couple of plays.

In one drill on a secondary field, Peterson caught a short pass and sprinted across the field for what would have been a meaty gain. Then, in the stadium, he waited behind his blocks and burst up the left sideline for at least 12 yards.

"Adrian doesn't do anything unless those offensive linemen are doing what they're supposed to do," Vikings coach Childress said.

After missing Friday's practice against the Chiefs because of a hip pointer, Peterson was happy to just return to the fold.

"I felt pretty good," he said. "Getting the reps, and just getting in the groove. Each rep counts. So it felt good to be out there and get some work in."

Despite his minor injury, Childress said he liked Peterson competing and practicing Saturday.

"It's good for him to fight through some of that muscle soreness that he has," Childress said. "He's going to wake up on Monday morning in most instances and have some of that bruising going on."

Still, Bevell said Peterson has a ways to go, which is why running backs coach Eric Bieniemy still owns Peterson's free time.

"Eric Bieniemy is working with him just about every minute that he's free," Bevell said.

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