NFL injuries: Vikings' Adrian Peterson misses another practice as does Dez Bryant

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was held out of practice for the second consecutive day as he deals with a sprained left ankle.

Coach Mike Zimmer said he thought Peterson would get some work on Thursday and has said the Pro Bowl back should be ready for Sunday night’s game against the New York Giants. Peterson participated in the pre-practice stretch, but didn’t have a helmet for Thursday’s practice.

Peterson sprained his left ankle in the first half of last week’s 38-17 win against the Chicago Bears. Peterson returned for two second-half series before sitting out the rest of the game, finishing with 18 carries for 63 yards.

In his return from last season’s suspension, Peterson was selected to his seventh Pro Bowl on Tuesday and leads the league with 1,314 rushing yards.

In other injury news Thursday:

— New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees was expected to have a limited role in practice despite the foot injury he suffered in Monday night's loss.

— Dallas Cowboys WR Bryant has yet to practice this week as he nurses foot and ankle injuries. Foot surgery cost him five games earlier this season, the least productive of his five-year career.

— A balky hamstring kept Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery out of practice.

— A shoulder injury kept Philadelphia Eagles CB Byron Maxwell out his second consecutive practice.

Contributing: Wire reports

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