Contract concerns won't keep All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson away from Vikings training camp, Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier said Monday, via The Star Tribune.
"Oh yeah, we had a good conversation. And that's not an issue, and he's looking forward to camp like all of our guys are," Frazier said.
Peterson is in the final season of his rookie contract and has a salary cap hit of $12.775 million. The Vikings and Peterson both would like to re-sign him to a long-term extension that includes a lower cap figure.
Frazier said he spoke with Peterson and cornerback Antoine Winfield almost as soon as the lockout was lifted.
"Both of those guys, there was tremendous excitement in their voice," Frazier said. "Both feel like they're in the best shape of their lives."
Frazier also said he would not rule out rookie quarterback Christian Ponder starting in the season opener, though he added Joe Webb and Rhett Bomar also will compete for the starting job.
"Our coaches feel very comfortable in doing whatever's necessary to put us in the best position to be successful when we open the season against San Diego, and that may mean a young quarterback being in that role," Frazier said.
The Vikings also have been linked to several veteran quarterbacks, including Donovan McNabb and Kyle Orton.
Ponder planned to report as soon as the doors to the Vikings facility open Tuesday.
"It's the first place I'm heading in the morning," Ponder said, "so I'll be up there to meet with [offensive coordinator Bill] Musgrave and talk some ball and finally to get to catch up to what we've been missing all summer."
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