Adrian Peterson’s son in critical condition; Peterson will play Sunday

By Alexis Celluro
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Updated: October 11, 2013

MINNEAPOLIS- The identity of a 2-year-old boy in critical condition in South Dakota has been confirmed as the son of Minnesota Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson’s father, Nelson Peterson, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Friday morning the child is indeed his grandson.

According to ESPN, the elder Peterson told the newspaper, “All I can say is, we are asking for prayers and for respect for our family as we deal with this tragic situation.”

The Sioux Falls Police have charged Joseph Patterson, 27, with aggravated assault and aggravated battery of an infant, according to USA Today. The child reportedly sustained serious injuries to the head.

TMZ reported the child is currently on life support, and has not had brain activity since 5:30 PM Thursday night. According to the site, the boy’s mother wants to have life support discontinued, and the child’s organs donated, if his condition does not improve within 24 hours.

This is not the first major tragedy Peterson has endured. His father, who was released from jail in 2006, spent 10 years in prison. Peterson also lost two brothers, one of which was murdered the night before the running back participated in the NFL Combine in 2007.

Adrian Peterson has seen 2 of his brothers killed, his father sentenced to 10 years in prison, and now this with his son. Crazy.

— Pick Factor (@pickfactor) October 11, 2013

After missing practice Thursday, the running back was reportedly at the team’s facilities Friday morning. He participated in stretching drills, and only left the field during special teams drills. ESPN reported via the SportsCenter Twitter that Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier expects Peterson to play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

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Photo credit: (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)