Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson might want to add as much as 12 pounds to his 6-1, 217-pound frame, but Vikings coach Brad Childress clearly figures that high end figure is, well, way too high.
"You just want guys to be efficient I think with what they have," Childress said. "The 230, the 12 pounds extra, I don't know where that came from. Did it come out of Adrian's mouth? Well, I'm thinking he's probably not going to get to 230, nor does he want to be at 230. And I would have no trouble telling him that or you."
Peterson first stated his desire to gain weight while attending the Pro Bowl in Hawaii last February. This came after he led the NFL with 1,760 rushing yards in only his second NFL season. Peterson feels by being heavier he will be better able to withstand the punishment he takes during a season
"Now is the time of the year to get down and dirty and really start getting after it," Peterson said this week. "God willing (I will get to) 225, 230 just to see how it feels. Before the season starts I look forward to having my weight up so I will be able to see how it is when I run and cut and do different things like that."
Peterson is in fantastic condition but there obviously could be concern if he adds too much weight. That could have a negative impact on his ability to make quick cuts and cause wear on his knees.
"You've got to still be able to generate and be elusive at the running back position," Childress said. "I think naturally he'll add good weight as he goes through his career, but I think just adding weight to say, 'I'm going to get 10 pounds heavier' probably doesn't have a lot of merit to it."
Childress made it clear he wasn't being critical of Peterson's plan or trying to completely shoot it down in any way.
"I'd encourage him to play at whatever weight he can and have great stamina and be able to finish and be able to still have the successes he's had," Childress said.
