EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson missed his second consecutive day of practice, in what is becoming a weekly routine to limit wear and tear on last year's NFL MVP. But coach Leslie Frazier doesn't expect Peterson, who has carried 67 times in the last two games despite a strained groin, to be limited on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.
"It just tells you how amazing he is," Frazier said. "Not only does he play, he plays extremely well. It's just incredible, when you think of what those injuries can do for any position, let alone a running back. He's a special guy. His body is definitely unique. He's different in a lot of ways."
Peterson still leads the league with 1,208 rushing yards, and he might have more if he were able to run at full speed. "I know this: Some of those 20-yard runs could be 40- or 60-yard runs. We've seen that," Frazier said. "He's working as hard as he can, but it's tough to get [to] 100 percent in two or three days [of practice]."
In other Vikings injury news:
Quarterback Christian Ponder still hasn't cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, and he did not practice on Thursday. While Ponder could practice Friday if he is cleared, Frazier said it's "probably not" realistic to expect Ponder to be active on Sunday. Frazier said Wednesday the Vikings planned to start Matt Cassel.
Safety Jamarca Sanford, who missed practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury, returned to practice in a limited role on Thursday, and it appears likely he will play on Sunday.
Linebacker Larry Dean (knee) was out of practice again, as was cornerback Josh Robinson (chest). Defensive end Jared Allen (finger), linebacker Chad Greenway (wrist) and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (illness) were limited.
Safety Harrison Smith has looked good in practice, Frazier said, and the Vikings still expect Smith to return from turf toe and come off injured reserve on Dec. 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Tight end Kyle Rudolph (foot) has been unable to practice this week. The Vikings had hoped to get him back on the practice field, Frazier said, but will now likely have to wait until next week.
Wide receiver Greg Childs, who has been out all season after tearing the patellar tendons in both knees during training camp last year, has practiced the last two days, but Frazier wasn't sure if the Vikings will activate him from the physically unable to perform list or put him on injured reserve. The Vikings must make a decision on Childs next week.