Vikings' Rhodes, Floyd battling injuries

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd are listed as day-to-day because of injuries suffered in the 34-6 victory over the St. Louis Rams, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Monday.

Rhodes suffered a groin injury in the second half and was replaced by rookie cornerback Jabari Price. Rhodes attempted to return on the following drive but left the game for good after three plays. Injuries were a problem for Rhodes during his rookie season last year, when he only played 13 games and missed the final three games of the season because of an ankle injury.

Floyd hurt his shoulder on the final defensive series of the game. He remained on the field with some of the second team in the final moments of the blowout victory.

"We'll find out more about them [Tuesday], but we'll see," Zimmer said.

Zimmer said he expects fullback Zach Line (ankle) and linebacker Michael Mauti (foot) to practice Wednesday. Both missed the season opener and did not participate in practice last week.

Cornerback Josh Robinson also left the game late in the fourth quarter, grabbing a leg, but Zimmer said he's fine.

Quarterback Matt Cassel looked helplessly at the Vikings sideline at times on the opening drive Sunday. That's because the communicator in his helmet was not working, preventing him from receiving the play call.

"It was a little unnerving at first for me and the whole deal," Zimmer said. "But you learn to adjust and adapt and go on."

Cassel sometimes ran to the sideline to receive the call; other times, he just made the call himself. Zimmer said Cassel handled it well and allowed the offense to overcome the technical issue.

It doesn't appear the Vikings will replace their starting strong safety heading into Week 2 against the Patriots. Zimmer said he hasn't thought about replacing Robert Blanton, who was the only defensive player to play the entire game (67 snaps).

"I haven't thought about changing him, so we'll see," Zimmer said. "I have no reason to take him out yet for any reason."

Blanton also had 10 snaps on special teams in the opener.

"I can go out and play football now and not worry about that stuff. My agents did a great job, and [Vikings executives] Rob Brzezinski and Rick Spielman made the process a lot easier for me. I'm just excited to be here for the next five years."

Fusco was entering the final year of the rookie deal the sixth-round pick signed in 2011, and Zimmer was excited to have Fusco in the team's long-term plans.

"He's got a lot of toughness," Zimmer said. "He plays every week, and he's got the physicality in the running game."

Zimmer was asked about Ray Rice, who was released by the Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the NFL. TMZ released footage of Rice apparently punching his then fiancée, now wife Janay Palmer at an Atlantic City casino in February, which prompted action from the team and league.

Zimmer didn't touch on Rice's specific situation, but Zimmer said he expects his players to act a certain way.

• The Vikings officially released sixth-year safety Jamarca Sanford, who had been placed on injured reserve before the season after injuries limited him in training camp. The two sides reached an injury settlement, and his contract was terminated Monday.

• The Bears signed safety Ahmad Dixon off the Vikings practice squad.