Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is eager to get out on the field this season. "I'm itching, just ask Coach [Brad] Childress," Peterson said Tuesday, according to the Star Tribune. "He can answer that question better than I can. I hate not playing in the preseason. I love games and going out there and competing against different guys. I understand that there's different guys that they're looking at. They want different guys to get reps out there so they can evaluate guys. I understand that process and it is what it is." Minnesota opens their preseason slate on Friday against Indianapolis, and Peterson is unlikely to be on the field for very long. Peterson has worked hard to improve his pass-catching skills and protection abilities. "I've taken a giant step forward," he said. "I'm really just focusing on the little things -- getting my proper depth and recognizing the coverage that the defense presents better. I'm definitely moving forward and continuing to improve each day."