NFL Star Adrian Peterson's 2 Year Old Son Attacked By Mother's Boyfriend

UPDATE:Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation tell TMZ ... the injured child is Adrian's son, but it's not Adrian Peterson Jr., the child he's been famously photographed with in public over the years.

TMZ reached out to Peterson's reps -- but so far, we have not heard back.

8:39 AM PT -- Cops just addressed the media about the situation, saying Patterson allegedly struck the child's mother with a 3-foot long metal construction bar. She sustained one defensive injury to her arm and a cut to the face. She refused medical attention.

Adrian Peterson's 2-year-old son is currently in critical condition in a South Dakota hospital ... after he was allegedly severely beaten by the man dating the mother of his child, TMZ has learned.

The Minnesota Vikings running back immediately left his team to be with his son.

Officials tell TMZ they've arrested the suspect, 27-year-old Joseph Patterson ... who's been charged with aggravated felony assault and battery of an infant.

According to law enforcement, emergency responders arrived to the apartment where Peterson's son was living at 5:46 PM on Wednesday ... and found the child unresponsive.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital and medical experts determined the injuries were consistent with abuse.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the child suffered severe head injuries.




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