Vikings RB Adrian Peterson: All Day Wants To Play.

I have been seeing a lot of people getting concerned about Vikings RB Adrian Peterson being pressed back into service too soon after being injured. What could the Viking be thinking? Let's take a look at what is really going on here.
Last week (week 12) I heard a report that Adrian Peterson was lobbying the coaching staff pre-game to let him play. The Vikings coaching staff was who decided not to allow AD out on the field.
It's AD that wants to get out on the field as early as possible. Adrian Peterson was signed fairly early as top draft picks go. One of the ways to get a potential star signed earlier and avoid a holdout is by offering incentive bonuses in lieu of up up front money. AD as a result has a contract full of "performance" bonuses.
With knowledge comes insight, here is a quick look at some of Adrian Petersons' incentives.
ESPN.com reports Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson earned a one-time, $2.45 million bonus when he reached 701 yards this season. Peterson can add $2.5 million to his 2010 salary if he rushes for more then 1,000 yards in two of his first three seasons. If he rushes for 1,300 yards he adds another $1 million to his 2011 salary, which is set to begin at $3.94 million. If he passes 1,300 yards twice he would add $3 million to the $3.94 million total. If Peterson can rush for 2,000 yards or 20 touchdowns he would add $1 million to his 2011 salary. Peterson is also eligible for a $250,000 bonus if he is rookie of the year, MVP or Super Bowl MVP. That could possibly allow Peterson to earn $40.5 million through the life of his five-year contract.
So don't be so hard on the Vikings, they are being a lot more cautious than AD.