ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 7: Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings runs up field against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on September 7, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Adrian Peterson says he may come back this season --- but only under this condition

The Vikings sure could use Adrian Peterson right about now, but they have some work to do first

After Minnesota's loss to the Cowboys Thursday night, its window of playoff opportunity is just about shut.

The Vikings are 6-6 and tied for second in the NFC North, sitting two games behind the division-leading Detroit Lions. That window, however, is still slightly ajar.

If the Vikings can win their remaining four games, they could qualify for a wild card berth or maybe even win the division with some help from the Lions.

And that happens to be the only way we'll see Adrian Peterson back on the field again this season. Peterson said Wednesday that he's eyeing the Dec. 24th matchup with the Green Bay Packers as the date he'll be ready to take the field again after having surgery for a torn meniscus back in September.

But he stipulated that his return is contingent upon Minnesota winning at least its next two games.

"Obviously, if we lose two games, we're out," he told the Pioneer Press Wednesday. "So. we'll just play it by ear...I'm thinking that we're going to make the playoffs so that's what I'm keeping my mind set on."

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The New York Giants currently hold the NFC's top wild card spot, two games in front of the Vikings. The Tampa Bay Bucs are in the second spot, just one game up.

With the Jaguars, Colts, Packers and Bears making up the Vikes remaining schedule, the likelihood is good that we'll get to see AP in action again sooner rather than later.