Nose tackle Linval Joseph returned to practice for the Vikings today.

Joseph did not play on Sunday against the Packers and did not participate in practice at all last week after his injured toe did not respond favorably in his return to action two weeks ago against the Giants.

“After the game, it was sore and swollen,” coach Mike Zimmer said before today’s afternoon practice session. “Just took a little time.”

Zimmer said the Vikings on Sunday night did not hold out Joseph, who was listed as doubtful, because they were saving him for the playoffs.

“If he could have played, he would have played,” Zimmer said.

While it is early in the week, Zimmer said he is hopeful that Joseph will be able to play this weekend against the Seahawks at TCF Bank Stadium.

In other injury news, running back Adrian Peterson, fullback Zach Line and nose tackle Kenrick Ellis were not participating in the portion of practice open to media. Peterson participated in the team stretch then watched. Ellis went inside right after the stretch. And Line was not spotted at all.

Peterson is now dealing with a lower back injury in addition to the ankle injury he suffered in Week 15 against the Bears. There doesn’t appear to be any reason for alarm, though, considering he missed both Wednesday and Thursday practices the previous two weeks and still played.

Wide receiver Adam Thielen, who injured his shoulder against the Packers but returned to the game, was participating in some capacity.