Star running back Adrian Peterson returned to practice yesterday with the Minnesota Vikings, but he was limited in his work and remained questionable for tomorrow's game because of a hamstring injury.

Coach Brad Childress said he would wait until shortly before the game against Carolina to decide whether Peterson, who leads the NFL with 263 yards rushing, will participate. He'll be treating the muscle extensively over the next two days.

If Peterson can't go, Chester Taylor — a 1,200-yard rusher in 2006 — will take his place in the backfield.

Minnesota's 0-2 start has created some urgency to this week, and benching quarterback Tarvaris Jackson for veteran Gus Frerotte had some desperate overtones. Childress, though, has to be even more careful about pushing Peterson too hard for the sake of a quick fix.

Peterson, who missed 2 1/2 games due to a sprained knee in 2007, said he plans to play but must convince the trainers and coaches he's not risking aggravation — and developing a problem that lingers for weeks — by not being at full strength.

"Sometimes you have to protect the player from himself and err on the side of caution, and sometimes you feel good about what you've seen," Childress said of last season's Offensive Rookie of the Year.

CHARGERS

TOMLINSON PRACTICES, BUT IS QUESTIONABLE

LaDainian Tomlinson returned to practice in a limited role yesterday and is listed as questionable for San Diego's game against the New York Jets on Monday night.

Tomlinson, who jammed his right big toe in the season-opening loss to Carolina, missed practice the previous two days.

"It went OK," Tomlinson said. "I did what I wanted to do. I didn't expect to do full participation but I wanted to get out and do some stuff running the football. It definitely is a lot better than last week. That's the exciting part about it."

Tomlinson aggravated the toe during the second quarter of Sunday's loss to Denver. Reserve Darren Sproles started the second half, though Tomlinson did see limited action during the final two quarters.

SAINTS

QB HARRINGTON SIGNS, WILL BE THIRD-STRING

The "piano man," Joey Harrington, has landed a new gig in the birthplace of jazz. He'll be playing third fiddle behind New Orleans starting quarterback Drew Brees and backup Mark Brunell.

Harrington signed with the Saints and participated in his first practice yesterday at the team's suburban training center, a day before the Saints were set to leave for tomorrow's game at Denver.

"When I say it's going to be a great fit, I think it's in all areas," Harrington said. "You've got the weapons, so you're going to win some games."

Harrington, a standout at Oregon also known for his talent as a pianist, has spent six seasons in the NFL since being drafted third overall by Detroit in 2002.

ELSEWHERE

Texans: Rookie running back Steve Slaton will get his first start tomorrow against Tennessee as Houston returns to the field after missing a week because of Hurricane Ike. Running back Ahman Green is out indefinitely because of an injured ankle.

Titans: Tennessee wide receiver Justin Gage missed his third consecutive practice with a groin injury yesterday and will be a game-time decision for tomorrow's game with Houston. Browns: Cleveland wide receiver Braylon Edwards (shoulder) was limited in practice yesterday and listed as questionable for tomorrow's game at Baltimore.

Jaguars: Jacksonville receiver Jerry Porter likely will miss a third consecutive game tomorrow at Indianapolis because of a hamstring injury.

Eagles: Two-time Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews is doubtful for Philadelphia's game against Pittsburgh tomorrow because of back spasms.