Peterson Grateful as Case Proceeds … Though Not to the Vikings, Apparently

(AP) -- Adrian Peterson says he's pleased to be "one step closer" to returning to the field.

Peterson's agency, Relativity Sports, released a statement from the Minnesota running back Friday, expressing "gratitude for all of the support" from fans, the NFL Players Association, union lawyer Jeffrey Kessler and his agents.

His statement didn't mention the Vikings at all, though, after repeated praise of Peterson from team officials in recent weeks. General manager Rick Spielman said his expectation is that Peterson will be back with Minnesota.

U.S. District Judge David Doty ruled Thursday that the arbitrator erred in denying Peterson's appeal of his suspension under the NFL's personal conduct policy. The league countered by filing an appeal of Doty's decision to a higher court and returning Peterson to the exempt list.