Minus star David Johnson and in desperate need of an improved rushing attack, the Arizona Cardinals completed a trade with the New Orleans Saints for veteran running back Adrian Peterson Tuesday.
The 32-year-old Peterson, who spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, rushed 27 times for 81 yards through the first four games of the season with the Saints. He signed with New Orleans this past off-season after 10 seasons with the Vikings.
Injuries have played a role in Peterson’s recent decline in production. He played in only three games last season after tearing his meniscus in Week 2. He tallied 72 yards on 37 carries.
A 2007 first-round draft pick of the Vikings, “A.P.” rose to stardom in the Twin Cities, becoming one of the most feared and productive backs in the modern era after starring at the University of Oklahoma. As a pro, Peterson is closing in 12,000 career rushing yards (11,765) and 100 rushing touchdowns (97). He’s fumbled only 39 times on 11,765 carries as he makes his way to the desert.
The Cards (2-3) currently rank last in the NFL in rushing netting just 259 yards on 100 carries (51.8 yards per game) through the first five contests. Further complicating matters for head coach Bruce Arians‘ offense has been a rash of injuries and shuffling of the Cardinals’ offensive line. The backfield-by-committee of Chris Johnson (who was released Tuesday morning), Andre Ellington and Kerwin Williams was in need of a makeover and the Cardinals are hoping the addition of Peterson, a seven-time Pro-Bowler and the 2012 Most Valuable Player, will help fill that void.
The Cardinals’ players have the day off Tuesday. They will return to the practice field Wednesday at their team facilities in Tempe where Peterson is expected to participate in the workout and address the media after.
Arizona hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday afternoon in Glendale.
