One thing is certain. The court system in the United States knows how to take it's time to make sure that things are handled properly. But in the Adrian Peterson case, and with the media attention it has received, they are getting this case ready to run faster than the roadrunner. On September 12, 2014, Peterson was indicted for child abuse charges. Today, on Wednesday, October 8th, they were already meeting in court, less than a month later. The court date is set for December 1st of this year, which of course could get moved a little bit earlier or later based on Judge Kelly Case. If Case finishes a few trials sooner than expected, then Peterson could get in earlier, but trials are unlikely to happen that way.
Peterson should feel fortunate to get on the docket so quickly so that his case will be heard in December. Yes, it seems like it is far removed from September 12, but in all reality, he will be meeting the judge less than 90 days after he was indicted, which is a rarity in the court system.
Does this mean that Peterson could play again for the Vikings this year? Possibly. It all depends on how quickly the trial can be held and if Peterson is considered innocent. If Peterson is innocent and due process has been held, this writer struggles to come up with an option why the Vikings would not let him back on their roster. Also, it is clear that he is better than Matt Asiata, so he would probably even see the field for Mike Zimmer's team. Of course, this is all wild speculation at this point, based off of Peterson's presumed innocence. No one should ever assume that a Judge will decide something in a specific manner because the media that presents the case is typically very biased. But until December 1st, and likely after that date, there is nothing to do except speculate on the fate of one of the greatest running back's of his generation.