Dungy: RB Addai not expected to play against Packers

Oct 15, 2008 - 9:31 PM INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Dominic Rhodes provided a boost for the Indianapolis Colts' dormant running game against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Colts likely will need more production from Rhodes after coach Tony Dungy announced Wednesday that starting running back Joseph Addai is not expected to play in Sunday's game at Green Bay.

Addai has a slightly torn hamstring, an injury he suffered in the first quarter of last Sunday's 31-3 victory over the Ravens. According to a report from the NFL Network, he likely will be sidelined two to four weeks.

Citing a team source, the report stated that Addai is expected to seek a second opinion on the hamstring. But Dungy said that he does not believe Addai's injury is a long-term ailment.

"I don't think it will be very long," Dungy said. "When we get to the end of the week, there might even be some thought to play him, but my sense is we have a lot of time left in the season."

Dungy indicated that Rhodes, who previously played with the Colts in 2006 before spending last season with Oakland, will start on Sunday, with Chad Simpson and Cliff Dawson serving as the backup running backs.

"Rather than rush (Addai) back too quick, my sense is we'll go with these three guys," Dungy said.

Earlier Wednesday, the Colts placed rookie running back Mike Hart on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury also suffered last week.

The Colts (3-2) are saddled with the NFL's worst rushing offense, averaging just 69.4 yards per game.

After replacing Addai in the first quarter last week, Rhodes, ran for 73 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.

Addai is the Colts' leader rusher but has gained just 216 yards while scoring four touchdowns in five games. He carried only twice last week before limping off the field on Indianapolis' second series.