Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has reached a plea agreement and will avoid jail time, but what is the next step for the All-Pro as he attempts to make a comeback and play for Minnesota in the second half of the season.

According to ESPN via a league source, Peterson has several steps he needs to follow before he can hope to be reinstated by the commissioners office. The steps include:

• Examining the court documents and police record of Peterson's case;
• Convening experts in domestic violence and substance abuse (since he admitted to using marijuana and could be in Stage 1 of the NFL's drug program);
• Holding a hearing with Peterson and the NFL Players Association. It's possible a direct meeting between Peterson and Goodell will take place unless the commissioner designates someone else as the hearing officer;
• Consulting with the Vikings and the union;
• Applying the personal conduct policy as amended in August, making Peterson the first player to whom the six-game suspension is applied.

Peterson has an uphill battle when it comes to getting on the field this season and there is no guarantee that the Vikings will play him when or if he is reinstated. Peterson has taken the first step in agreeing to a plea agreement, but how long the next steps will take is unknown.

In fantasy football, kudos if you have held on to Peterson this long, but you will have to wait a little longer. Peterson could be active for the fantasy playoffs, but his effectiveness remains to be seen. If Peterson is on your waiver wire and you have an open spot, he is worth a stash.

Peterson will likely thrive in a backfield that has made Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon relevant running backs. Peterson could be the player that pushes your team over the line into a fantasy championship.

[ESPN]

Give us a shoutout in the comments below and follow us @SportsWN and @Edler56