Peterson’s chances of playing get better

Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson was upgraded to questionable Friday, increasing his chances of playing against the New York Giants on Sunday.

Peterson tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee two weeks ago against Green Bay, but Coach Brad Childress said he thought the NFL’s leading rusher was progressing ahead of schedule this week in practice.

“He’s getting there,” Childress said.

One week after setting the single-game NFL record with 296 yards rushing against San Diego, Peterson was injured when Packers cornerback Al Harris went low to bring him down in the third quarter of a 34-0 loss to Green Bay.

Team doctors were adamant the injury was relatively minor in nature, and Peterson would return at some point this season.

Peterson said he was encouraged by his week of practice, which included some rehabilitation work in the pool and limited snaps on the field.

“I’m just going to come in tomorrow and see how it feels,” Peterson said. “I’m going to take it one day at a time.”

Whenever he returns, Peterson will wear a brace to protect his knee, something he is still getting used to.

“It feels like it’s been stiffening me up,” Peterson said. “It’s really just getting used to the brace and everything.”

The Seahawks were hoping Matt Hasselbeck might be able to throw on the side sometime before the NFC West leaders (6-4) flew to St. Louis to play the Rams (2-8) on Sunday.

Instead, Hasselbeck asked into Friday’s practice and was in the middle of the field running the offense for the first time all week.

That pain in his side, which he has had since taking a hit in the ribs during last weekend’s win over Chicago? That didn’t happen, either.

“I was Tylenol-free today, so that’s good,” said Hasselbeck, who had his third 300-yard game of the season against the Bears and the second-most completions (30) of his career.

Not only will Hasselbeck start against the Rams as planned, he said he would do so feeling the best he has all season -- and with more preparation than expected.

That can only help Seattle’s most consistent offensive player, who is ranked in the NFC’s top five in attempts (364), completions (230), touchdowns (17) and passer rating (91.3) and is taking advantage of Coach Mike Holmgren emphasizing passing over a stalled running game.

Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Zach Thomas has been ruled out for his fourth consecutive game and will not play at Pittsburgh on Monday night. Since Thomas suffered a concussion in September, the seven-time Pro Bowl player has missed five games. Thomas, 34, has said he hopes to return to the winless Dolphins sometime this season.

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and wide receiver Santonio Holmes won’t play Monday against Miami after missing practice for a third consecutive day. Polamalu (sprained knee) and Holmes (sprained ankle) were listed as doubtful at best by Coach Mike Tomlin earlier in the week, and neither was expected to play. Both could miss multiple games. . . . Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb is doubtful to start against New England after missing his third straight practice because of a sprained ankle and injured thumb. . . . Denver Broncos running back Travis Henry will miss his third straight game Sunday at Chicago because of a left knee injury.