The long drama that is the Adrian Peterson suspension/reinstatement story has another new development. Peterson is expected to hear back about his reinstatement this week, and it many have speculated about what his reinstatement (or lack thereof) would mean.

Peterson Reinstatement This Week?

According to media reports, people around the league do not believe that Peterson will take the field again this season. It is believed that Peterson is likely to be reinstated without having to serve his suspension, but that would not require the Vikings to actually put him on the active roster or use him in any games. That seems to be prevailing feeling based on feedback from sources around the league.

During a recent interview, Peterson said, "I believe I'm just now here in my prime. I believe these next five or six years -- or however long I decide to play -- it's going to be the same production and I'm going to do even better than I did before in my 20s."

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If Peterson is not reinstated, he would still have to serve the six-game suspension that he was handed before the appeal was filed. That suspension, if upheld, will now cost Peterson the first few games of next season. However, if he is reinstated, he would be eligible to play immediately.

If the Vikings have no intention of putting Peterson on the field even if he is reinstated, that likely indicates that they plan to move on from Peterson after the season. Because he is easily the highest-paid running back in the league, he is unlike to draw much in the way of a trade, leading to a probable scenario where Minnesota releases Peterson outright.

If released, Peterson would join a free agent running back class that will include DeMarco Murray and Marshawn Lynch, and Dallas would become a possible landing spot for the former MVP.