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The buzz this week – for the last several weeks, in fact – has been the workload of running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.

The Oklahoma rookie leads the NFL in rushing despite coming off the bench at halfback for the Vikings. Coach Brad Childress continues to start veteran Chester Taylor and split the work between his two backs.

Peterson is averaging 18 carries per game and 6.2 yards per carry. Vikings fans can see Peterson is special and want to know why he isn't starting and averaging 25 carries.

But understand why Peterson slid to the Vikings at the seventh overall pick of the 2007 draft – he was considered an injury risk. He was spectacular at OU, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, but got beaten up in the Big 12. He missed seven games in 2006 with a broken collarbone and five more in 2005 with a sprained ankle.

The hits are bigger and come more often in the NFL. Tired legs are vulnerable legs. By limiting his workload and keeping Peterson fresh, Childress is reducing the likelihood of injury.

Even though he doesn't start, Peterson has had more carries than Taylor in five of Minnesota's six games thus far. Taylor was a 1,200-yard back himself in 2006.

Joseph Addai led the Indianapolis Colts in rushing as a rookie with 1,081 yards but didn't start a game in 2006.

Colts coach Tony Dungy continued to start Dominic Rhodes, a productive back without the talent of Addai. He wound up rushing for 641 yards himself and served a purpose. By sharing the workload, Rhodes kept Addai fresh.

Addai may not have started, but there was no question about Indy's go-to back. The same can be said for Peterson this season. The NFL has evolved into a two-back league and the Vikings have two good ones in Peterson and Taylor.

rgosselin@dallasnews.com