CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Panthers coach Ron Rivera says he's "probably" given up hope of Greg Hardy playing this season following the NFL's decision Tuesday to suspend Vikings running back Adrian Peterson for the remainder of the year.

Peterson pleaded no contest Nov. 4 to misdemeanour reckless assault for injuries to his 4-year-old son.

Hardy, a Pro Bowl defensive end, was placed on the exempt-commissioner's permission list Sept. 17, two months after being convicted on two counts of domestic violence. Hardy is appealing. His court date was recently pushed back to 2015.

Hardy becomes a free agent in March.

Rivera said the team hadn't decided if it would consider re-signing Hardy.

Rivera says, "People are looking at us in terms of the moral compass, so we've got to be smart about things we decide."