Adrian Peterson added to his tough week when the Minnesota Vikings lost to the Carolina Panthers Sunday.
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton threw three touchdown passes and ran for another TD as his team rolled over the mourning Peterson and the Vikings 35-10.
The running back, Peterson averaged 6.2 yards per carry, and finished the game with 62 yards on 10 carries and 21 yards on three receptions. However, the Vikings (1-4) didn’t play the star after halftime.
Friday, Peterson learned that his 2-year-old son died in South Dakota after suffering injuries from alleged child abuse. The man involved, Joseph Robert Patterson, was arrested and charged in the case.
“It’s tough. It’s a crazy situation,” Peterson said. “Anytime you lose a child, no matter the circumstances, it hurts. I can’t describe it. But I’ve got a good supporting cast.”
Said Vikings coach Leslie Frazier: “I thought he handled it as well as you can.”