DeJon Gomes has said that the Detroit Lions must focus on stopping 2012 MVP Adrian Peterson during their opening game of the 2013 NFL season.

While playing for the Washington Redskins in 2011, Gomes tackled the Minnesota Vikings running back, leaving him with an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

The safety told reporters: "I actually thought about that. People told me he tore his ACL and came [back] and rushed for this. He's a good back and we just have to go out there and stop him.

"I talked to him after the game last year and he understands that we were just out there playing football and freak things happen."

The Lions claimed Gomes off waivers on Sunday, following his release from the Redskins.