Matt Ludtke/Associated Press

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson suffered a torn meniscus during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 on Sept. 18. He underwent knee surgery Thursday and was placed on injured reserve Friday with the potential to return after eight weeks.

Continue for updates.

Latest on Peterson's Timeline to Return

Saturday, Sept. 24

Peterson has told people he believes he will be able to play when he is eligible to return in eight weeks, per Tom Pelissero of USA Today.

On Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Peterson is "likely out until December at least."

Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press noted on Sept. 20 that Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Jalen Ramsey tore his meniscus in May and underwent surgery. In that case, Ramsey was running in two weeks and returned for training camp.

Peterson Placed on Injured Reserve

Friday, Sept. 23

Rapoport reported the Vikings can recall Peterson from injured reserve in December.

Peterson Undergoes Successful Surgery

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Thursday, Sept. 22

The Vikings announced Peterson underwent surgery Thursday morning: "Peterson had a successful lateral meniscus repair this morning. The surgery was performed by team physician Chris Larson at Twin Cities Orthopedics. There were no additional injuries or issues noted in or surrounding the knee joint during the surgical procedure. The rehabilitation process will begin immediately."

Peterson told ESPN's Josina Anderson on Wednesday that he would be going under the knife, adding that he's "doing it with faith and optimism." Anderson noted Peterson has a "bucket handle tear," adding that a full repair of the meniscus usually means a minimum recovery of three to four months and could be as long as six months.

Larry Fitzgerald Sr. shared a photo of the running back's knee after the news broke:

Peterson's Knee Reportedly Worse Than Initial Diagnosis

Wednesday, Sept. 21

Rapoport reported Peterson has a mild LCL sprain that won't require surgical repair.

Adam Schefter of ESPN initially reported Peterson also suffered a torn LCL. Schefter noted further damage to Peterson's knee would make it even more difficult to return this season.

However, a Vikings spokesperson said the report of Peterson's torn LCL is false, per Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune.

Peterson's Replacement Named

Wednesday, Sept. 21

Head coach Mike Zimmer told reporters Jerick McKinnon will serve as the Vikings' starting running back in Peterson's absence.

Sam Bradford Comments on Peterson's Injury

Wednesday, Sept. 21

Bradford told reporters "it's hard to replace a player like Adrian," calling him the best running back in the NFL.

Peterson Seen in Brace After Game

Monday, Sept. 19

Jane Slater of NFL Network shared video of Peterson using crutches after the game and sporting a large black brace on his right leg:

Peterson was unable to put any weight on his leg as he was carried to the locker room after suffering the injury, per Schefter.

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole noted NBC sideline reporter Michele Tafoya's news that the Vikings medical staff was doing stability tests on Peterson's knee. SNF on NBC shared an image of Peterson as he was helped to the locker room:

The star running back had 12 carries for 19 yards and two catches for seven yards before exiting.

Fitzgerald Sr. Tweets About Peterson's Injury

Monday, Sept. 19

Peterson Remains the Heart and Soul of Vikings Offense

Peterson led the NFL in rushing yards (1,485) in 2015 for the third time in his career while tying for the league lead with 11 touchdowns on the ground. He's the best and most consistent player in a Vikings offense that has lacked a prolific passing game.

Per ESPN.com, the Vikings attempted the fewest passes and had the fourth-most rushing attempts during the 2015 regular season. Peterson had 327 of their 474 carries, so he remains a rare workhorse at the age of 31.

The 24-year-old McKinnon finished second on the team in 2015 with 271 rushing yards and was also a solid receiver with 21 catches.

But no one on Minnesota's roster can replace the production Peterson provides.