Redskins sign Adrian Peterson

The Washington Redskins signed running back Adrian Peterson on Monday, the team announced.

Peterson would address a position of need after running backs Derrius Guice and Samaje Perine suffered injuries during the preseason. While Perine is expected to return shortly from an ankle sprain, Guice will miss the entire year with a torn ACL.

"I'm excited," Peterson said. "It's been a long offseason but I've been keeping my body in shape and (I'm) ready for this opportunity. So when this opportunity presented itself, I was just excited."

"I've seen guys come through that door and guys go through this process. I had a great appreciation for it. But me knowing what I had left in the tank, that was the only thing bothering me. But I knew in due time the opportunity would present itself."

Peterson began last season with the New Orleans Saints but was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in October after a slow start. He finished with 529 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games split between both clubs.

The 33-year-old is one of the most prolific running backs of his generation, earning seven Pro Bowl and four first-team All-Pro selections. He also won the 2012 NFL MVP award after rushing for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

Peterson is second among active players behind Frank Gore with 12,276 career rushing yards, ranking 12th all time. With another decent campaign, he could pass Jim Brown and Tony Dorsett on that list.