Adrian Peterson believes he could have gone directly from high school to the NFL.

"Not to sound cocky or anything, or confident, but yeah, I do feel like I could have came out my senior year of high school and played in the NFL,'' Peterson said Monday on a conference call with Denver-area area media leading up to Sunday's Minnesota Vikings-Denver Broncos game. "I really do. And I'll just say this, people were like 'well, physically you just weren't ready.' I came in my freshman year and I was up for the Heisman, had a pretty good season, was the leading rusher."

Peterson rushed for 2,960 yards and 32 touchdowns as a high school senior in 2003 and then went on to rush for 1,860 yards with 15 touchdowns -- 5.9 yards per carry -- as a true freshman for Oklahoma.

"And there were guys that went in the league that year, like Cedric Benson, I felt like my freshman year I should have won the Doak Walker Award [for the nation's top college running back], but they gave it to him -- I kind of got off topic there. But anyway ... I feel like I was a better player than him. And so it's like, 'I'm a true freshman, and if Cedric can go in [to the NFL] and play, then why couldn't I do it?'''

The ATC spotter in Minnesota apparently missed Brandon Fusco had suffered a concussion during Week 2's game.

The NFL Players Association has launched an effort to determine whether “apparently” is “accurately.”

Per a league source, the NFLPA is investigating whether the spotter failed to recognize and/or to take action in response to the apparent struggles of Fusco to get to his feet after a block that involved helmet-to-helmet contact.

Adrian Peterson said he trusts Norv Turner after a disappointing 10 carries for 31 yards in Week 1.

"If it ever got to that point [where I needed to talk to the coaching staff about my role], I would," Peterson said. "But I have a lot of trust in coach Turner and what he's going to ask of us. I still voice my opinion to him, as well. We'll see how things flow this weekend."

Peterson showed some awkwardness receiving carries when the Minnesota Vikings were in the shotgun formation.

Adrian Peterson missed nearly the entire 2014 season and elected not to play at all in the preseason, making the rust appear evident in Week 1. 

"It felt good to get out there, play some football, take some hits," Peterson said. "But [it was] definitely embarrassing to perform the way we did."

Peterson, 30, didn't touch the ball until the second drive of the game, as the Vikings threw on their first three plays.

Asked whether he thought he'd get the ball on the first series, Peterson said, "I don't know. I assumed at least one carry.

"I don't question Coach Turner," he said, referring to offensive coordinator Norv Turner. "He's been doing it for a long time. I trust him. I got the ball a couple of times in the second series. It is what it is."

Peterson admitted after the game he felt "a little hesitant a couple of times coming out of the shotgun.

"You really just need to be more patient, allow the pulling guard to get on his block and hit it up in there. Those are the ones I felt like I was kind of hesitant on. I really wanted to hit like I was coming out of the I formation."

Teddy Bridgewater knows Adrian Peterson is anxious to return to action after sitting out most of the 2014 season.

Bridgewater was asked about Peterson and how he was the top priority of opposing defenses even in 2009 when Brett Favre was playing at his best.

“That makes me feel good,” Bridgewater said. “And I would be worried about Adrian, too. He spent a year off from football, so I'm pretty sure he's a mad man right now.”

Asked if he could sense Peterson’s level of excitement this close to his return, Bridgewater said, "Adrian is a pro. He approaches every day with the mindset of getting better. He sets a good example for us young guys. I'll ask him, 'What motivates you to be great each day?' He's been so great for us and he's definitely ready to go."

Jarius Wright has agreed to a four-year, $14.8 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings.

Wright will receive $7 million in guaranteed money.

Wright had 42 catches for 588 yards and two touchdowns last season.