Peterson’s young son dies from brain injuries

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson mourned the death of his young son Friday. Authorities said a 2-year-old boy died Friday of injuries suffered in an alleged child abuse case in South Dakota, and a person with knowledge of the situation told the Associated Press the boy was Peterson’s son.

Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman confirmed the death of the child, who had been in critical condition in a hospital with severe head injuries since Wednesday. The boy died at 11:43 a.m. at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls after being removed from life support, Wollman said.

Wollman said he’ll review police and medical reports before making further decisions about criminal charges, possibly by early next week. Joseph Patterson, 27, was charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery in the child’s death. He had a court appearance Friday and was ordered held on $750,000 cash bond.

Speaking to reporters about an hour after the time of death, Peterson said he was certain he’ll play Sunday against Carolina.

“I’ll be ready to roll, focused,” Peterson said. “I will be playing Sunday, without a doubt.”

League upholds Suh fine

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has lost an appeal of the $100,000 fine against him for his hit on Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan in the team’s opener back on Sept. 8.

The six-figure fine was the largest in league history for on-field conduct, not including money lost by players due to suspensions.

Suh has been fined six times and suspended for two games for a total of $342,794 throughout his four-year career.

Around the league

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced that a third player has been diagnosed with MRSA, a day after announcing offensive lineman Carl Nicks is being treated for a recurrence of the staph infection. Kicker Lawrence Tynes was also diagnosed back in August. NFL.com reported the third player was cornerback Johnthan Banks. Nicks and Banks are listed as questionable to play against Philadelphia. … New York Jets tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. has been suspended without pay for four games for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing substances. Winslow will immediately begin his suspension. He will be eligible to return on Nov. 4 following New York’s game against New Orleans on Nov. 3. … The Chicago Bears say middle linebacker D.J. Williams will miss the remainder of the season because of a torn left pectoral muscle suffered in Thursday’s win over the Giants.