This story is free to read.

Adrian Peterson not at stadium for Vikings game

This photo provided by the Montgomery County sheriff’s office shows the booking photo of Adrian Peterson. Peterson was indicted in Texas for using a branch to spank one of his sons and the Minnesota Vikings promptly benched him for their game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014 against the New England Patriots. Peterson turned himself in early Saturday at a jail in Montgomery County, near Houston, where he has a home. He was processed and released. (AP Photo/Montgomery County sheriff’s office) This photo provided by the Montgomery County sheriff’s office shows the booking photo of Adrian Peterson. Peterson was indicted in Texas for using a branch to spank one of his sons and the Minnesota Vikings promptly benched him for their game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014 against the New England Patriots. Peterson turned himself in early Saturday at a jail in Montgomery County, near Houston, where he has a home. He was processed and released. (AP Photo/Montgomery County sheriff’s office)

By Associated Press September 14, 2014 1 min read

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Adrian Peterson did not accompany the Minnesota Vikings to the stadium on Sunday for the game against the New England Patriots. The star running back is keeping his distance in the wake of child abuse charges that prompted the Vikings to deactivate him for the game.

Peterson was indicted on Friday and flew to Houston early Saturday morning to turn himself in. He was booked and released and returned to Minnesota.

Vikings GM Rick Spielman is expected to address the team’s plans early this week.

Peterson has acknowledged that he used a tree branch to discipline his 4-year-old son. Peterson’s lawyer says his client did not intend to harm the boy.

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL