Sidney Rice looking forward to facing Vikings

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice is looking forward to Sunday's game, as the Seahawks host his former team -- the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota took Rice in the second round of the 2007 draft with the No. 44 overall pick. Rice spent four seasons with the Vikings (2007-10), before signing a five-year, $41 million dollar deal with the Seahawks after the 2011 NFL lockout was lifted.

Seattle's game on Sunday will mark the first time that Rice has faced his former teammates -- and he's looking forward to the challenge, according to 1500 ESPN.

"It's going to be exciting going against those guys," said Rice, who is in his second season with the Seahawks. "I looked at the scouting report today, and I counted out (that) nine of the 11 starters on defense (were guys) that I played with while I was there.

Rice, who was plagued by injuries in 2010-11, is finally healthy. Through Seattle's first eight games this season, Rice has caught 28 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns. Rice appeared in just nine games for Seattle in 2011, catching 32 passes for 484 yards and two touchdowns.

Rice's best season as a pro came in 2009, when he played a full 16 games, catching 83 passes for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns -- career highs in each category.

Kickoff between the Vikings and Seahawks is set for 3:05 p.m. CT, at CenturyLink field in Seattle.