Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is expected to play against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, two days after the death of his 2-year-old son, a source close to the situation told ESPN.

The source provided the update on Peterson's status as of Saturday afternoon, telling ESPN's Josina Anderson, "I don't think it will change."

"There's no doubt he's going to play," the source told Anderson. "It's not going to happen where Adrian Peterson is not going to suit up for that game."

The 2-year-old boy died Friday in Sioux Falls, S.D., from injuries sustained during an alleged aggravated assault, police said.

Police are not releasing the boy's name out of respect for the family.

Before the announcement about his son's death had been made, Peterson told reporters Friday that he would play against Carolina.