Adrian Peterson is working on returning from his meniscus surgery this season but he will only do so if the Minnesota Vikings are in playoff contention.

Peterson had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee on Sept. 22.

The Vikings have lost six of their last seven games after a 5-0 start.

"I'm thinking that we're going to make the playoffs, so that's what I'm keeping my mindset on," Peterson said. "So, if that's not the case a week or two from now, we can settle back around."

Mike Zimmer has declined on several occasions to discuss a timetable for Peterson's return, but said on Wednesday that Peterson's health -- not any other determining factors -- would dictate when he'd return.

"The guys that are out here, I'm trying to coach the best I can," Zimmer said. "If he comes out, I'll try to coach him the best I can, whenever that is."