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The Vikings have plenty of problems, 5-4 record notwithstanding. Among them is a rushing attack that is more like a rushing retreat.

They’re averaging 2.67 yards per attempt for the season, only 0.3 yards per try more than the lowest full-season average since the Giants churned out 2.64 yards per rush in 1954.

As explained recently by Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, no team has rushed for 2.8 yards per attempt or worse since the 1994 Patriots.

So the Vikings could use running back Adrian Peterson. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Peterson is back to running again, although light running. He’s still receiving treatment on his knee following September surgery to repair a torn meniscus, and his timetable for a return continues to be December.

When in December remains to be seen. The month begins two weeks from tonight, when the Vikings host the Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.