Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is not expected to play again this season, even if the hearing officer in his suspension appeal lifts the ban.

A decision on Peterson’s appeal of his six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy is expected to come this week from Harold Henderson, the league’s hearing officer.

Peterson’s appeal was heard last week, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Friday. Peterson reportedly gave a statement without testifying Tuesday and was not present for the hearing’s conclusion Thursday.

A source told ESPN that even if Henderson reinstates Peterson from the commissioner exempt list, there is little belief that he will play again this season.

If Peterson’s ban holds up, he still must serve a minimum of six games, which would carry over to next season. He would miss the remaining three games of this season and the first three of 2015.

Peterson has been paid $9 million of his $11.75 million salary while on the exempt list.

Peterson was suspended for the rest of the season by commissioner Roger Goodell on Nov. 18, after Peterson failed to attend a disciplinary hearing regarding his alleged violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

Peterson was indicted in September on felony charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child after Texas authorities said he hit his 4-year-old son with a switch. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless assault on Nov. 4 and was ordered to pay a $4,000 fine and perform 80 hours of community service.

Until the plea deal, Peterson had been on the commissioner’s exempt list, drawing his salary from the Vikings but not allowed to play.