Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson: Odell Beckham Jr. suspension too harsh

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson didn't think Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. deserved the one-game suspension he received for his unruly behavior in his personal battle with Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman on Sunday.

"I like both of those guys; both of those guys are great football players in my eyes," Peterson said. "It got physical out there and to me, the way I play, I like that. Both of them, did it kind of get out of hand maybe on one play each? Yeah. But my personal opinion, I don't think it warranted a suspension. But that's my one opinion."

Peterson reached out to Beckham Jr. via text message.

"I had the opportunity to reach out to the young guy, Odell, and tell him, 'Hey, just learn from it and just keep your head up,'" Peterson said.

--Nine-year veteran defensive end Brian Robison has had a solid career, but still hasn't made it to a Pro Bowl.

Despite their nine wins, the Vikings had only one player - running back Adrian Peterson - make the Pro Bowl.

"You know, man, I'm over the Pro Bowl," Robison said. "The Pro Bowl is a popularity contest. It's just one of those things where you see some guys that make it and they absolutely deserve it, and you see some guys who don't make it and you wonder how the heck they didn't make it. It is what it is.

"At the end of the day, the good thing about our team is we're not concentrating on Pro Bowl stuff. We're concentrating on winning ball games."

MEDICAL WATCH: Peterson (shoulder/ankle) did not practice but expects to play on Sunday night. He sprained the ankle late in the first half against the Bears but returned, although he had only six second-half carries. Peterson made the Pro Bowl for the seventh time in his nine-year career. Asked if it surprised him, Peterson shrugged and said, "No. I expect greatness from myself when I step on the field." ... Cornerback Josh Robinson (concussion) missed practice Wednesday. He's only a factor on special teams if he's active. ... Nose tackle Linval Joseph (foot) practiced on a limited basis and is close to returning after missing the past three games.

Linebacker Anthony Barr (knee) practiced for the first time in two weeks. He was limited. ... Free safety Harrison Smith (knee/hamstring), who was close to playing on Sunday, practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. ... Wide receiver Charles Johnson (ankle), who missed last week's game, was on the injury report as a full practice participant on Wednesday. ... Tight end Rhett Ellison (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. ... Defensive end Everson Griffen (shoulder), who was limited in Sunday's game, was limited in practice on Wednesday. ... Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was limited in Wednesday's practice and was on the injury report for reasons not related to injury.

NOTES: Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has the third-best December passer rating (111.6 in six games) since entering the league last season. Only Tony Romo (133.7 in four games) and Cam Newton (112.4 in five) games are better. ... Tight end Kyle Rudolph is fifth among tight ends with 24 catches wince Week 11. Rudolph has a team-high four touchdowns on the season, a career-high 106-yard game against Green Bay and a season-high seven catches against Atlanta.