(Continued from page 23)

• A man the boy's mother was dating, 27-year-old Joseph Patterson, is being held on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery. Tyrese died after Patterson was arrested, and prosecutors plan to convene a grand jury to consider more serious charges.
• "It was a difficult day, just taking in the circumstance and the whole situation," Peterson said of the funeral. "A child was buried. That's difficult for anyone."
• Peterson played against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, rushing for 62 yards on 10 carries in a 35-10 loss, and he plans to play against the New York Giants on Monday night. It's been a theme for Peterson for nearly his entire life -- football has been a refuge in difficult times ever since he was a youth.
• "A lot of people won't ever understand the situation that I'm in and see it the way I'm seeing the situation," he said. "It's tough, but I'm able to deal with that and got a good supporting cast around me that's been supporting me through this tough time."
• Peterson thanked his teammates and the Vikings organization for their support.
• "They've been great, organization, teammates, they've been supporting me as well," he said. "I can't tell you how many calls I've gotten and texts from the guys up top in the organization and players just making sure that I'm OK and I'm doing well."
• He has always prided himself on finding the positivity even in the darkest of times -- and now he finds himself searching again.
• "I'm standing strong, man. I am," Peterson said. "My main focus has been on my son and their family down there in Sioux Falls. Just trying to wrap my head around things and trying to stay focused and play ball as well. So things have been tough, but I can handle a lot. I'm built for anything that comes my way. This right here will pass."
• Peterson said he has been in touch with authorities in South Dakota to stay on top of the proceedings and didn't expect to miss any more time this season to deal with the situation.
• "I have the contacts that I need to be able to stay involved as far as the investigation," he said.
• NOTES: Peterson only practiced on a limited basis on Thursday because of a sore hamstring. ... K Blair Walsh (left hamstring), S Harrison Smith (turf toe on left foot) and CB A.J. Jefferson (right ankle) did not practice.
•

• OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- A new report suggests the economy will continue growing at a slow pace in rural areas of 10 Midwest and Plains states in the months ahead.

(Continued on page 25)