It has been nearly a decade since the New England Patriots used a seventh-round draft pick on a USC quarterback who spent his entire college career backing up a pair of Heisman Trophy winners.

Matt Cassel has fond memories of his time in New England, where he blossomed from a college clipboard-holder into a capable NFL quarterback while learning from coach Bill Belichick and watching star quarterback Tom Brady.

"I'm forever grateful to [the Patriots] … for drafting me, really for somebody who hadn't started a game in college and giving me an opportunity to grow, to learn and I feel very fortunate and blessed that I had that opportunity to do that," Cassel said. "It helped me mature into the player that I am today."

Cassel learned a lot from his veteran mentor. Most of all, he learned a lot about leading.

And Brady said he remembers a young quarterback who was chattier than most rookies.

"I had to make sure he didn't overstep his bounds from time to time," Brady said. "But that's part of his personality. He's very energetic. He's just got a great personality."

Cassel

Cassel and Brady are still buddies. They're both California guys. They hit the links together in the offseason, and their families are friendly. They still talk about every other week.

"We probably won't talk this week, I'm guessing," Cassel said.

Believe it or not, this will be the first time Cassel plays against Brady and his former team since leaving New England in 2009. But on Wednesday he sounded like he was still governed by the Patriot Way when he said that Sunday will be just another game.

"I'm excited to be playing a good team that historically has been one of the most consistent teams over the last decade," Cassel said. "It will be a great challenge for us to see where we're at as a team. Like any other game, it's just the next game on the schedule for us."

Rhodes, Floyd sit out

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, who both suffered injuries in Sunday's 34-6 win over the St. Louis Rams, did not practice Wednesday. Rhodes tweaked his groin and Floyd hurt his shoulder in the second half.

Rhodes said he has been feeling better but was noncommittal about playing against the Patriots.

"I'm doing better each and every day," the starting cornerback said before watching practice.

"The past two days have been great. I'm moving up the ladder, injury-wise."

Outside linebacker Brandon Watts (knee) also missed practice.

Fullback Zach Line (ankle) and outside linebacker Michael Mauti (foot) returned to practice but were limited. Left guard Charlie Johnson (ankle) and offensive tackle Mike Harris (shoulder) were also limited.

Joseph improving

Nose tackle Linval Joseph started against the Rams and played 37 of the 67 defensive snaps, nearly a month after he was shot in the calf during a shooting at a downtown nightclub.

Joseph made five tackles and also showed punch as a pass rusher, recording a sack and pressuring the quarterback on at least one other play.

"He's worked hard to overcome his injury, and I'm happy to see things go good for him," coach Mike Zimmer said.

Praise from Belichick

While speaking with Patriots reporters Wednesday, Belichick mumbled some praise about the Vikings.

"It's been impressive watching the Vikings so far this year," Belichick said. "I think that obviously Coach Zimmer has come in there with his program and it's been good — been good in preseason, it was certainly good in St. Louis last weekend. It looks like all three units — offense, defense, special teams — are strong, good contributors to the overall team. … It's a good football team."