Cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, who both suffered injuries Sunday in the win over Rams, were not spotted at practice during the portion open to media.

Rhodes, who hurt his groin in the third quarter, said he's feeling better but was non-committal about playing against the Patriots this weekend.

"I'm doing better each and every day," said Rhodes, a 2013 first-round pick who starts at right cornerback. "The past two days have been great. I'm moving up the ladder, injury-wise."

Leg and groin injuries are tricky for defensive backs, especially for one who has a history of dealing with these kinds of lingering leg issues during his brief NFL career.

It sounds as if it could be a case where Rhodes is held out of practice today and tomorrow then tries to see where he is at Friday, which isn't ideal, especially with the Patriots coming to town.

"If I'm ready to go by Friday, I can't sit there and worry about the injury," Rhodes said before today's practice. "I have to go out there and play. I can't sit there and think about the injury."

Floyd, who injured his shoulder in the fourth quarter, was not spotted in the open locker room.

Linebacker Brandon Watts (knee) was the other Vikings player who was not practicing.

There is some positive injury news, though. Outside linebacker Michael Mauti (foot) and fullback Zach Line (ankle) returned to practice this afternoon. Both sat out against the Rams.