Peterson ready to take over

Six-year veteran Adrian Peterson has been around long enough to earn the confidence of coaches and teammates, so no one's making a huge deal about him taking over as the featured ball carrier.

"Being a third-down back all season for us, we've seen him in that role," coach Lovie Smith said. "He's had flashes where he has carried the football and looked good doing it.

"But every running back wants to be the lead guy, and now he's getting an opportunity to do that. Once you have success in a limited role, guys are supposed to get an opportunity to carry more of the load. He's getting his chance."

Peterson's looking forward to it, but he's maintaining an even keel.

"I was always taught it's never really who starts, but who finishes," he said. "I've finished six of our games. I'm going to go out there and contribute, and get us wins."

Peterson has been waiting for an opportunity like this since he was drafted in the sixth round in 2002, but he said he's planning to do what he's always done, just earlier and more frequently.

"I'm not going out trying to do anything special or anything like that," he said.

"Same role, you're just starting the game."

Vasher optimistic: Cornerback Nate Vasher, who has missed eight straight games with a partially torn groin muscle, practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and said he's ready to play.

"It went great," Vasher said. "I think I did everything I need to."

Asked if he would start, Vasher said: "I expect to. I don't know what the coaching staff thinks about it, but I intend to."

It's doubtful Vasher would play a full game this week, but he is expected to begin working his way back to that point on Sunday.

Linebacker Lance Briggs (hamstring), defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee), return specialist Devin Hester (foot) and offensive right tackle Fred Miller (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

Six and counting: Devin Hester was named NFC special teams player of the week after recording 232 total kick-return yards, including a 75-yard punt-return touchdown and an 88-yard kickoff return TD on Sunday against the Broncos.

But Hester was too distraught over the death of his former Miami teammate Sean Taylor to celebrate or even to conduct any interviews.

It is the sixth NFC special teams player of the week award in Hester's career and third this season.

Since the NFL started announcing weekly awards for each conference in 1984, Hester is tied with Mitchell and Tamarick Vanover for second most among all return men, one behind Dante Hall.

Hester is tied with Richard Dent (six defensive) for most overall NFC player of the week honors in franchise history.