Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is set to play a major role for his team this year.

Coach Mike Zimmer told USA Today that he expects much from the 30-year-old football player.

"Adrian's going to get the heavy workload... as much as he can take, and as much as he can handle in all the things that we're doing. Obviously, we're going to have to spell him at times like you do a lot of guys. But we get down on the goal line, and we're probably not pulling him out, you know? He's our best player, and we're going to continue to use him," Zimmer explained.

However, it will not be a problem for Peterson because according to Zimmer, the player feels great being with the Minnesota team.

"I think he's excited about the potential that we have. So, I think he's going to run mean, because that's usually the way he does it," Zimmer added.

Adrian's return for good

Ten months ago, Peterson's indictment for reckless injury to a child got him an NFL suspension. Although he was reinstated in April and could play with the Vikings, the running back felt "uneasy" to go back to his team, ESPN reported early this year. However, the player was convinced to return by Zimmer, his well-respected mentor, especially when the coach stated in late May that he either plays for the Vikings or not play at all.

When the 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player started participating with the organized team activities in June, he was able to make his presence felt.

He amazed his teammates and his training staff, too. Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, observed that Peterson really played as if he is there to "prove" his worth.

"I haven't been around him a year, or six months. I didn't know he'd come back in this type of shape. The guy is in unbelievable shape, like he hadn't missed a step, and he's out to prove a point," Munnerlyn told ESPN.

More recently, Peterson expressed his intention to tally 2,500 yards this year.

"I always keep the mark at twenty-five (2,500), so if I get close to that, that's not bad," Peterson said on the Vikings' official site.

The running back's record is a total of 2,314 yards in the 2012 season with 2097 yards from rushing and 217 yards from receiving.

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