Friday brought terrific news on two unfortunate situations in Minnesota. Even though the excitement from both should be throttled back, it's difficult to do so. A lot of work still needs to be done but it's a fantastic start.
First of all, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is set to start running at the end of February. Normally, this would be a ridiculous thing to announce. A running back running? Big deal. In this case it's a huge deal. Peterson tore up his left knee on Christmas Eve against the Washington Redskins. A terrible knee injury. One that brought into question next season as well as his career. He had reconstructive surgery December 30th. His rehab has progressed so well that he's set to start running only two months later. Peterson is rewriting the book on this sort of rehab. The typical schedule is running at closer to four months after surgery. Adrian Peterson is a genetic freak. My biggest worry has always been that he'd push too hard to get back. I know there's no chance that the Vikings would allow any risks. Peterson is far too valuable to the team to take any chances. Peterson is just a different sort of physical beast. He'll be back for the start of the season. He'll be his typical dominant self. Maybe, even better than before.
The second great news item is that the Minnesota Vikings, the state of Minnesota and the city of Minneapolis have finally agreed on a site and financing structure for a new stadium. This is just excellent news. The three parties have never been on the same page. At times they were so far apart that it seemed that the Vikings were on the next train out of town. There's still plenty of work to be done in that the state legislature and Minneapolis city council still have to approve the financing package. Considering the political insanity in Minnesota (Tim Pawlenty, Michele Bachman, Jesse Ventura, etc.) this could be a chore. The Vikings had a similar agreement with the city of Arden Hills last spring. It didn't fly as the state wasn't behind it. The political powers that be have spent the months since that agreement directing the stadium back to Minneapolis. They have it now. If everything is passed, the stadium will be built next to the Metrodome. It will allow for the Vikings to play in their current home nearly to the completion of their new one.
At a time when the Minnesota Vikings are in need of some serious healing, two of the most significant issues look to be getting much better.
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