Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier thinks Adrian Peterson's absence from the team bus Sunday morning was "a big deal" but emphasized that the star running back's tardiness did not contribute to the team's lopsided loss to the Chicago Bears.
Peterson, who leads the NFL in rushing, missed the bus that left from Chicago's JW Marriott to take the Vikings to Soldier Field. Peterson arrived at the stadium nearly 30 minutes late, according to the NFL Network.
"Anytime one of your leaders is not where he's supposed to be, it's not good," Frazier said Monday. "I talk to our team all the time about being where you're supposed to be and being on time. It's a big deal."
Frazier said he spoke with Peterson before the game but declined to reveal what he said during the discussion.
"We have talked about it," Frazier said. "Hopefully it will never happen again -- I can't see why it would. I hope it never will again."
Frazier said Peterson has never had a problem with tardiness or missing the team bus. He also said that he was immediately aware of Peterson's absence.
"I knew when we left," Frazier said. "He's Adrian Peterson, so I know when he's on (the bus) or not on."
Peterson rushed for 108 yards -- his fifth consecutive 100-yard game -- in the 28-10 loss to the Bears (8-3), who moved two games ahead of the Vikings (6-5) in the NFC North standings.
"I think everybody was pretty focused on their job and doing what they had to do," Frazier said. "I'm not sure how many guys really knew that he wasn't on the bus."
Peterson, who has rushed for 1,236 yards this season, suffered a shoulder strain in the loss, according to Frazier, who claimed that the injury "should not be a problem" for next weekend's game against the Green Bay Packers.
Frazier also announced that tight end Kyle Rudolph and strong safety Harrison Smith both must pass post-concussion tests before they can be cleared for action. Middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley suffered a mild sprain of the AC joint in one of his shoulders, and right tackle Phil Loadholt developed some inflammation in one of his knees, but Frazier said neither of them should have a problem playing against Green Bay.
Frazier did not provide an update on star wide receiver Percy Harvin, who has missed the past two games with a sprained left ankle.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.