Adrian Peterson appeal set for Dec. 2, to be heard by Harold Henderson

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will not preside over Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's appeal, after all.

The NFL announced Friday that the league's former executive vice president of labor relations Harold Henderson will hear Peterson's case. Goodell had the option to do it himself, but he chose to pass it off to a trusted peer. 

Henderson previously handled Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon's claim that he tested positive after breathing secondhand smoke. 

Peterson's appeal hearing is set for Dec. 2. It remains a long shot that he will be reinstated before the season ends.