Peterson, key to the Vikings' offense with his running prowess, is doubtful for Sunday's season finale against the Lions. It's probably for the best he not play, given his injuries, in an otherwise meaningless game.

Likewise, backup Toby Gerhart will miss Sunday's game because of a hamstring injury. The Vikings will use Matt Asiata and Joe Banyard, reserves who won't strike fear in Detroit's defense.

However, Asiata carried the load for the Vikings two weeks ago in a surprising 48-30 victory over the Eagles. He had three touchdowns on 30 times for 51 yards in that game.

Neither the Vikings nor Lions will make the playoffs. Sunday's game will be remarkable only because it promises to be the last game played at the Metrodome.

How's Peterson feeling, coach Leslie Frazier? "Just sore," Frazier said Friday. "He's sore after working out" Thursday. The groin injury is more bothersome than the foot Peterson sprained on Dec. 8.

The NFL's 2012 MVP, Peterson is third in the league in rushing with 1,266 yards. He practiced on a limited basis this week.

The Vikings continue to watch cornerback Xavier Rhodes, who will be a game-time decision because of a bum ankle. Rhodes missed the past two games. Cornerback Robert Steeples joined the roster this week.


RESTING UP


With a playoff berth assured the Panthers will not use ace wideout Steve Smith this week against the Falcons. Blame a sprained left knee for Smith's absence.

Not that the Panthers couldn't use him. Sunday's season finale offers an opportunity for the team to win the NFC South and secure a first-round bye.

Ted Ginn Jr. will start at wide receiver for Smith. Domenik Hixon will see increased action. Running back Jonathan Stewart and defensive tackle Colin Cole are also listed as out.

Coach Ron Rivera says Smith told him he believes he could play, but the team doesn't think that's a good idea. Rivera said he expects Smith would be able to play next week if necessary.

Smith's posterior cruciate ligament will take at least two weeks to heal.

Meanwhile, QB Cam Newton is nursing a sore ankle. Not that he is worried about playing against the Falcons.

"How it feels right now, it won't even make for enough ink for a story," Newton told the Charlotte Observer. "Whether it's feeling great right now, feeling bad right now, come Sunday it will be at high-octane performance."

Newton received treatment for the injury throughout the week. He was fully engaged in practice this week,

Running back Jonathan Stewart remains out with knee ligament damaged. This will be his third consecutive game missed, but team officials say the injury is responding to treatment.


WHO, HOUSTON?


Case Keenum's sore right thumb makes him iffy for the Texans' season finale, leaving interim coach Wade Phillips pondering his options at quarterback. Could be the team will be forced to use deposed starter Matt Schaub on Sunday when they visit the Titans.

Keenum and Schaub took practice reps Thursday, even with his thumb in a splint. He told the Houston Chronicle he believes he can play despite ligament damage in the digit.

"I'm preparing to start," Keenum said.  "I feel good. I'm ready to go. I want to win. That's my mindset."

Schaub started in last week's loss to the Broncos, looking as erratic as ever. He threw for 176 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Keenum started eight consecutive games, all losses, in a disastrous season for the Texans.


IN THAD WE TRUST


There is no monopoly on quarterback problems in the NFL's final week. Just ask the Bills, who will start Thad Lewis against the Patriots.

Coach Doug Marrone made the announcement following practice Friday. EJ Manuel has not been ruled out, but he will not start and is listed as doubtful because of an injured left knee.

"The decision with EJ is very simple," Marrone said told the Buffalo News. "It did not progress the way that I wanted it to. I give him credit. He's disappointed. He did everything he could when he was out there."

Manuel isn't 100 percent, Marrone said. "So at the end of the day I made a decision not to put him out there for no other reason than I thought Thad would give us the best chance to win this game with EJ's injury not progressing."

Lewis will make his fifth start this season. Last week he led a 19-0 victory over the Dolphins. He has a 2-2 record and has thrown for three touchdowns and three interceptions since his promotion from the practice squad in early October.

Manuel was injured in a 27-20 win at Jacksonville on Dec. 15. He is expected to dress but will be used only if Lewis is injured.

Contributor: The Associated Press