EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings designated running back Adrian Peterson for a return from injured reserve on Wednesday, and cleared Peterson to practice as part of his recovery from a torn meniscus.Peterson had said in a radio interview on Monday he was hoping to return on Dec. 24 against the Green Bay Packers, but added he would have a better idea of where his body was after practicing, and he didnt rule out the possibility of playing on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.Asked on Wednesday whether Peterson might be able to play on Sunday, Zimmer said, I dont know. Well see.?The coach said Peterson would be a full participant in practice this week but said he didnt know whether the team would get an emotional lift from Peterson returning.Asked if a Peterson return would lift his own spirits, Zimmer said, I dont know. I havent seen anything yet.The NFLs leading rusher a year ago, Peterson had gained 50 yards on 31 carries before tearing the meniscus in his right knee on Sept. 18 against the Green Bay Packers. He opted for a full repair of his meniscus on Sept. 22, which threatened to end his season.But sources told ESPN in November that a return for the Colts or Packers game was possible, and Peterson said last week he was feeling almost back to where he was before surgery.His return would provide some logistical puzzles for a Vikings offense that has shifted since the running backs injury.According to ESPN Stats & Information, only six teams have been in the shotgun more than the Vikings since Pat Shurmur replaced Norv Turner as the teams offensive coordinator in Week 9, and the team has thrown the ball on 226 of its 370 plays in that time.Right now, were not going to worry about those things, Zimmer said.When the time comes, well talk about the things he does. Its like any player that comes back: You try to figure out what they can do well, how you can fit it into the system and the things you need to change.Francisco Liriano Jersey . - After leading the Saints to a fourth playoff appearance in five seasons, Drew Brees expressed confidence in the direction of his team and, perhaps more importantly, showed a willingness to listen to contract proposals if the team needs his help getting under the NFLs salary cap. Kent Tekulve Pirates Jersey . John Tavares, Thomas Vanek and Kyle Okposo were also being counted on to slow down sizzling Rangers forward Rick Nash. That plan didnt go so well early. http://www.pittsburghpiratesprostore.us/Melky-Cabrera-pirates-jersey/ . That gave fans outside Joe Louis Arena another chance to ask for autographs from the 19-year-old whose stardom in the NHL has arrived earlier than most expected. Dave Parker Jersey . Artturi Lehkonen, Joni Nikko and Ville Leskinen had the other goals for Finland (1-0) while Juuse Saros stopped 28 shots. Tim Robin Johnsgard had the lone goal for Norway (0-2). Felipe Vazquez Pirates Jersey . Tests earlier this week revealed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain for Sabathia, who was hurt in last Fridays start against San Francisco. Its an injury that will require about eight weeks to heal. He finished a disappointing campaign just 14-13 with a career-worst 4.TIANJIN, China -- Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig advanced to the second round of the Tianjin Open by beating Kurumi Nara of Japan 6-3, 7-6 (5) Tuesday.The fifth-seeded Puig has struggled with consistency since her triumph at the Rio de Janeiro Games, losing in the opening round at the U.S. Open and in her last two tournaments in China.Four other seeded players were eliminated, including No. 3 Elena Vesnina of Russiia, who lost to American qualifier Shelby Rogers 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (4), and No.dddddddddddd4 Timea Babos of Hungary, who was beaten by another American, Alison Riske, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.Peng Shuai of China advanced when seventh-seeded Zhang Shuai withdrew before their match with a lower back injury. ' ' '