MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during a game against the Green Bay Packers on December 30, 2012 at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy Clayton King/Getty Images) Adrian Peterson (credit: Andy Clayton King/Getty Images)

LANHAM, Md. (CBSDC) — The 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is in critical condition in a South Dakota hospital after he was allegedly beaten by a man the child’s mother was dating, TMZ reports.

The child suffered “severe head injuries” in the beating according to the website.

Nelson Peterson, the NFL star’s father, confirmed to the St. Paul Pioneer Press that the child is his grandson. He also said the child was not Adrian Peterson, Jr.

Update: Peterson’s 2-Year-Old Son Has Died

“All I can say is, we are asking for prayers and for respect for our family as we deal with this tragic situation,” Nelson Peterson told the paper.

The Vikings said Thursday Adrian Peterson had been excused from practice to deal with a personal matter. He left to be with his child in South Dakota, but was reportedly back at the team facility Friday.

Multiple outlets have linked the arrest of Joseph Patterson, 27, to the incident. Patterson is facing charges of aggravated felony assault and battery of an infant.

Peterson’s son was found unresponsive by paramedics and rushed to the hospital around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Sioux Falls police tell the Pioneer Press that Patterson called 911 to report a choking.

Doctors determined the child’s injuries were consistent with abuse according to the report.

The Washington Redskins will travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings on November 7.