The National Football League announced that Adrian Peterson will not be allowed to return for the remainder of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, but the Minnesota Vikings running back could play on Sunday.

Peterson was indicted in September for allegedly using a wooden switch to the discipline his son. He entered a no-contest plea to misdemeanor reckless assault earlier this month, which led to the league's ruling on Tuesday.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to Peterson and his camp about their decision. In his letter, Goodell told Peterson that the league is concerned about the way he views his case with most fans saying that the 29-year-old is not taking his violations seriously.

"When indicted, you acknowledged what you did but said that you would not 'eliminate whooping my kids' and defended your conduct in numerous published text messages to the child's mother," Goodell said in a statement. "You also said that you felt 'very confident with my actions because I know my intent.' These comments raise the serious concern that you do not fully appreciate the seriousness of your conduct, or even worse, that you may feel free to engage in similar conduct in the future."

But despite being suspended until after the 2014 NFL season, ESPN reported that Peterson could return to action for the Vikings in their game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Sources said that that the veteran running back will be allowed to play while his appeal is being heard should arbitrator Shyam Das rule in Peterson's favor. However, reports also indicated that the case will become more complex should the arbitrator orders Peterson's reinstatement in Monday's grievance hearing.

The Vikings, who are currently at the cellar of the National Football Conference North standings with their 4-6 record, refused to comment about the possibility of having Peterson for Sunday's match against the Packers.

In the event the arbitrator upholds NFL's ruling, Peterson cannot be reinstated before April 15, 2015. Goodell also announced that the eight-year veteran should undergo counseling and treatment before being considered eligible for reinstatement.

"We are prepared to put in place a program that can help you to succeed, but no program can succeed without your genuine and continuing engagement," Goodell told Peterson. "You must commit yourself to your counseling and rehabilitative effort, properly care for your children, and have no further violations of law or league policy."

Related