Cornerback Xavier Rhodes returned to practice today in some form or fashion, increasing hope that he will be able to play against the Patriots on Sunday.

Rhodes injured his groin in the third quarter of the season-opening win over the Rams. He missed practice yesterday and was non-committal about his status for Sunday yesterday. But he was back on the field, helmet in hand, during the portion of today's practice that was open to the media.

Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was not participating in the open portion of practice.

I asked him before practice if he planned to practice today.

"Coach's decision. It's up to him. Not my call," he replied.

But does Floyd think his shoulder will be good enough to play Sunday?

"Coach's decision, not mine. I've got no word on that," he said.

So there's that.

Rookie outside linebacker Brandon Watts (knee) also appeared to be sidelined again today.