The Falcons could face Adrian Peterson twice next season

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes against the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium.

Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn, USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn, USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes against the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium.

Adrian Peterson is expected to visit the New Orleans Saints this week, according to NFL Network's Heath Evans.

In February, the Minnesota Vikings announced they wouldn’t pick up the option on Peterson’s contract in 2017. Peterson was placed on injured reserve in November after suffering a season-ending knee injury.

If Peterson joins running back Mark Ingram in the Saints’ backfield, the Saints could add enough talent and experienced rushing power to improve last season’s average of 108.9 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the League.

Atlanta ranked 17th in the League last season with 104.5 rushing yards allowed per game.

Against the Falcons last season, the Saints rushed for 115 yards on Sept. 26 and 142 yards on Jan. 1.