Minnesota Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson is on track to return to the field this week, just in time for a pivotal NFC North game against Detroit. Peterson tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee three weeks ago against Green Bay. He missed the last two victories over Oakland and the Giants, but the star rookie had an MRI on Monday that "shows excellent healing," Coach Brad Childress said. As long as everything goes as planned this week in practice, Childress said he would ease Peterson back into the fold against the Lions, splitting carries with veteran Chester Taylor. Despite missing the past two games, Peterson still leads the NFL with 1,081 yards rushing and is second to Brian Westbrook with 1,301 yards from scrimmage.