Adrian Peterson will tentatively stand trial on a felony child abuse charge on Dec. 1.

Peterson did not enter a plea to the charge. Hardin's spokeswoman said Tuesday that the running back had planned to plead not guilty if he was asked to enter a plea on Wednesday.

Peterson's case might begin in November if another case falls off the docket. 

Peterson has said he never intended to harm his 4-year-old son by spanking him with a tree branch earlier this year. Prosecutor Phil Grant declined to comment Tuesday on whether the case could be settled without a trial.

If he is convicted, he could face six months to two years in state prison, though he could be placed on probation as a first-time offender.