Vikings RB Peterson may play Sunday
Outstanding Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson was upgraded to questionable Friday, increasing his chances of playing against the New York Giants on Sunday.
Peterson tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee two weeks ago against Green Bay, but coach Brad Childress said he thought the NFL's leading rusher was progressing ahead of schedule this week in practice.
"He's getting there," Childress said.
One week after setting the single-game NFL record with 296 yards rushing against San Diego, Peterson was injured when Packers cornerback Al Harris went low to bring him down in the third quarter of a 34-0 loss to Green Bay.
Team doctors were adamant the injury was relatively minor in nature, and Peterson would return at some point this season.
"There's a 50-50 chance he'll play (this week)," Childress said. "That's as professional of fence-riding as you can get, isn't it?"
Peterson said he was encouraged by his week of practice, which included some rehabilitation work in the pool and limited snaps on the field.
Whenever he does return, Peterson will wear a brace to protect his knee, something he is still getting used to.
"It feels like it's been stiffening me up," Peterson said. "It's really just getting used to the brace and everything."
Cornerback Antoine Winfield was listed as doubtful with an injured hamstring that has nagged him for the past three weeks.
Hasselbeck practices: Unexpectedly, nothing came on the side for Matt Hasselbeck on Friday.
The Seahawks were hoping their quarterback might be able to throw on the side sometime before the NFC West leaders (6-4) flew to St. Louis to play the Rams (2-8) on Sunday. Instead, Hasselbeck asked into Friday's practice and was in the middle of the field running the offense for the first time all week.
That pain in his side, which he's had since taking a hit in the ribs during last weekend's win over the Bears? That didn't happen, either.
"I was Tylenol-free today, so that's good," said a smiling Hasselbeck, who had his third 300-yard game of the season against the Bears and the second-most completions (30) of his career.
Coach Mike Holmgren, who had watched backup Seneca Wallace take all the snaps Wednesday and Thursday, was pleased.
"Yeah, he took a big jump," Holmgren said of Hasselbeck's health. "I was encouraged by that."
Not only will Hasselbeck start against the Rams as planned, he said he will do so feeling the best he has all season -- and with more preparation than expected.
McNabb doubtful: Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is doubtful to start against New England after missing his third straight practice Friday because of a sprained ankle and injured thumb.
McNabb hurt the thumb on his throwing hand early against Miami last Sunday and left after injuring his ankle in the second quarter.
A.J. Feeley would start if McNabb can't play.