Joseph

Addai

“We didn’t discuss it. Tony [Dungy] didn’t mention it. I think we’re pretty full at the position to be truthful with you,” Polian said. Positive news for those early drafting dynasty leaguers who have already selected Mike Hart.

Oakland is paying a lot to upgrade from backup RB Justin Fargas, but they could use the depth. Expect Rhodes to play a secondary role to LaMont Jordan like he did to Joseph Addai. It’s an odd fit because the two players are similar, but it wouldn’t surprise us to see Rhodes get some goal-line work.

It’s a sign that Addai is truly competing to start and be on the field with Peyton Manning right away. We suspect the Colts will start the season with a committee and segue into Addai as the starter if he performs well.

New kicker Adam Vinateri started things off with a successful onsides kick that resulted in a Peyton Manning TD pass to backup tight end Ben Utecht for an early lead. Dominic Rhodes carried four times for 10 yards in a rather uneventful preseason matchup.

He was apparently kidding. Colts officials are still talking like they’ll go with a committee in 2006. Dominic Rhodes, Addai, and James Mungro would see carries.

Not an encouraging game for the Colts running game once again. Dominic Rhodes was nearly as bad, but Addai didn’t look decisive in short-yardage situations. It’s too early to be alarmed, but the Colts will put an emphasis on getting some positive momemtum next week.

The bad news: Dominic Rhodes had 19 touches and a score. The good news: Rhodes has less total yards with nine more chances. Addai didn’t do anything special in this game, but Rhodes’ struggles could make the split of carries more even in the future.

Addai was visibly frustrated after the injury, which sometimes suggests the player fears a significant one. The Colts’ “doubtful” listing suggests it is, and Addai eventually went to the locker room with a brace on his right leg. Delone Carter is next up on the depth chart. Addai had 19 yards on six carries before exiting, plus a six-yard catch.

“Depending upon what happens with Joe,” said Caldwell, "(Brown’s) role could become a bit more intense these next couple weeks.” Brown and Delone Carter formed a rotation after Addai’s injury in Week 5, and Brown was more effective in terms of yards per carry. It’s interesting to note that Caldwell’s “next couple weeks” comment hints the Colts fear Addai will miss multiple games.

Although it’s supposed to come off as a “report” on ESPN, Clayton is just guessing. “Could keep him out a couple weeks,” said Clayton. “Addai could be down one, two, possibly three weeks.” Coach Jim Caldwell’s comments Monday did suggest Donald Brown’s role would grow for the “next couple weeks,” indicating that’s how long the Colts anticipate Addai sitting out. Brown and Delone Carter will share the workload until Addai gets back.