The son of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has reportedly died at the age of two years old.

The infant, who lived away from Peterson with his mother, was allegedly beaten by her boyfriend and was admitted to hospital.

However, police in South Dakota confirmed that Peterson's son died of his injuries, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Robert Joseph Patterson was reportedly arrested on charges of aggravated battery of an infant and aggravated assault, but these charges may be amended after the death of the boy.

The names of the victim and his mother are currently being withheld and Peterson has requested privacy for himself and his family.