Adrian Peterson appears to be back atop the depth chart.
The 34-year-old running back is expected to start at running back for the Redskins in Week 2 against the Cowboys, coach Jay Gruden told reporters Wednesday.
Peterson was surprisingly a healthy scratch last week in Washington's 32-27 loss to the Eagles. But, Derrius Guice injured his knee in the game and is expected to miss some time, although it is unclear how long he'll be out. Guice rushed for 18 yards on 10 carries against Philadelphia.
"I don't think I've kind of grasped it yet," Peterson told reporters after the loss. "It's my first time ever being inactive, a healthy scratch. It was tough, of course. I'm a super competitor. I've been thinking about playing these guys since last year since the season ended and they broke us off. So it was tough not being out there, so I just have to make the best out of the situation, and in that way, I just become a coach on the sideline. Helping the guys out as much as I could, and cheering for the guys as well."
Adrian Peterson: “It was tough not being out there, that’s for sure.” pic.twitter.com/JMCsemLy62
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) September 8, 2019
Gruden said he has spoken with Peterson this week and the seven-time Pro Bowl player will be prepared to take the field Sunday.
"He's in a good place," Gruden said. "Nobody's happy if you're the backup or not dressed, but you are on the team, and when your number's called you roll. Adrian's a pro, and I feel very good if his number is called this week, he'll be ready to go and play very hard and he'll be Adrian Peterson."
Peterson rushed for 1,042 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games for Washington last season.