The Minnesota Vikings announced today that running back Adrian Peterson is going to have surgery on his torn meniscus and could miss several months as a result of the procedure. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer did not rule him out for the season but by all accounts, Peterson’s season is over.

Peterson’s injury is a crushing blow to a Vikings team that expected to contend for a Super Bowl this season. Despite Peterson’s struggles to start the season, the Vikings offense still revolved around him. Without Peterson, the Vikings will now see more balanced defenses but they may not have the receivers to take advantage of it.

Minnesota’s offense will now run through Sam Bradford, which is hard to believe. Bradford has gone from keeping the seat warm for Carson Wentz in Philly to the main man in Minnesota.

The Vikings have had a horrible start to this season. A month ago, they lost quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a horrific knee injury and today they also placed left tackle Matt Kalil on injured reserve. Needless to say, its not a good time to be a Vikings fan.

Can Minnesota overcome the injuries and be competitive? Sure. Mike Zimmer is a hell of a coach and has a good staff around him. Its going to be tough to contend however when you lose Adrian Peterson. You don’t just replace the best running back of this generation. Its not that easy.

Featured Image courtesy of USA Today