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Based on the way Adrian Peterson played after tearing an ACL, the Vikings may be wiling to roll the dice on another guy with a new knee ligament, if Peterson rolls out of town.

According to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the Vikings have inquired about free-agent running back Stevan Ridley. The Patriots’ third-round pick in 2011 tore an ACL last season after gaining 340 yards in six games.

The interest in Ridley could be a sign that the Vikings are bracing for the departure of Adrian Peterson. But it’s a stretch to think Ridley can even begin to replace Peterson. Yes, Ridley rushed for 1,263 yards in 2012, the same year Peterson surpassed 2,000. But Ridley was averaging 3.6 yards per carry last year before the injury, and now the question is whether he’ll get back to 100 percent in 2015 following knee surgery.

Throw in a nagging fumbling issue (eight in 2012 and 2013 combined), and at best Ridley would be another piece in a multi-headed attack featuring Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon, if Peterson isn’t back.