Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been placed on the NFL's exempt list, barring him from all team activities until his child-abuse case is resolved, the team said early Wednesday morning.

"After giving the situation additional thought, we have decided this is the appropriate course of action for the organization and for Adrian," Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf said in a statement. "We are always focused on trying to make the right decision as an organization.

"We embrace our role -- and the responsibilities that go with it -- as a leader in the community, as a business partner and as an organization that can build bridges with our fans and positively impact this great region. We appreciate and value the input we have received from our fans, our partners and the community."

Peterson was indicted last week in Montgomery County, Texas, on a felony count of reckless or negligent injury to a child. The charge stems from a whipping incident that left bruises and wounds on much of his 4-year-old son.

Peterson's next scheduled court date is Oct. 8, unless he negotiates to have the matter resolved at an earlier date. Montgomery County first assistant district attorney Phil Grant said it could be several months before the case would go to trial.

The team addressed its decision at a noon ET news conference Wednesday.

"We made a mistake and we need to get this right," Zygi Wilf said. "It is important to always listen to our fans, the community and our sponsors."

The NFL suggested -- and the Vikings and Peterson agreed -- that the running back would be placed on the exempt list. According to the league's personnel policy manual, only commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to place a player on the exempt list as it is a "special player status available to clubs only in unusual circumstances."

"The Minnesota Vikings are the ones who initiated this process," vice president of legal affairs and chief administrative officer Kevin Warren said at the news conference. "This was a decision made by the Vikings, the ownership. We went to the league and told them this is what we wanted to do."

The NFL Players Association was informed of the decision and discussed its options regarding challenging it. Peterson, however, chose to accept the designation. The Vikings will continue to pay Peterson his full salary, which is $11.75 million this season.

Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, told The Associated Press that "this is the best possible outcome given the circumstances.

"Adrian understands the gravity of the situation, and this enables him to take care of his personal situation. We fully support Adrian, and he looks forward to watching his teammates and coaches being successful during his absence."

The NFLPA also issued a statement Wednesday supporting Peterson's decision.

"Adrian Peterson made a decision to take a voluntary leave with pay to take care of his personal and legal issues," the statement said. "The NFLPA and NFL worked with Adrian and the Minnesota Vikings to resolve this unique situation. We support this decision and hope the best for him and his family."

Peterson also tweeted shortly after the announcement:

The running back has said he was disciplining his son the same way his own father disciplined him while growing up in Texas and that he didn't intend to hurt him.

Peterson also was accused in 2013 in Texas of injuring another of his young sons, who has a different mother, although charges were never brought. Those allegations reportedly were filed to the state's Child Protective Services agency, according to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.