ESPN.COM: The 2-year-old son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has died from injuries suffered after allegedly being assaulted by another man, the Sioux Falls Police Department confirmed Friday.
The child had been in critical condition in a South Dakota hospital, and a man who police say was caring for the child has been arrested.
Peterson's father, Nelson Peterson had told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that the child is Adrian Peterson's son.
Joseph Patterson, 27, is being held on two felony counts of aggravated battery of an infant and aggravated assault domestic. He was in court Friday for a probable cause hearing where bail was expected to be discussed.
Peterson, who spoke to reporters earlier Friday at the team's facility, had said prior to the announcement of the child's death that he would play Sunday. The Vikings (1-3) host the Carolina Panthers (1-3).
Coach Leslie Frazier said he and Peterson will "talk more over the next 24 hours."
"I really appreciate all the support from fans and the Vikings," Peterson said. "I ask y'all to respect my privacy."
Police and an EMS crew were called to a Sioux Falls home Wednesday where the child was found unresponsive and was rushed to the hospital, according to a police statement. The child was under Patterson's care at the time and nobody else was at the home.
At the hospital, it was discovered that the child's injuries were consistent with abuse. Patterson, who police say is the boyfriend of the child's mother, was taken into custody and charged.
On Friday, Peterson said: "I will be playing Sunday, without a doubt."
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier was less definitive.
"We expect him to play but this is very personal situation he is dealing with," he said. "We'll talk to him more in the next 24 hours."
Peterson is second in the NFL with 421 yards rushing and first in the league with five touchdowns.
ESPN.com Vikings reporter Ben Goessling contributed to this report.
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