[EmpireWF]

The Colts learned today that RB James Mungro is out for the year with a torn ACL.

Does this mean rookie Joseph Addai will start at running back? Or is Dominic Rhodes' job safe?

[Lefty Noob]

I think Rhodes will be the starter, but it definitely means Addai will play an important role in the offense, no doubt. Those two are going to pretty much have to split the carries 50-50 now. This will hurt Indy, especially down the stretch when Addai starts to exhibit signs of rookie wear and tear.

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I think Rhodes will be the starter, but it definitely means Addai will play an important role in the offense, no doubt. Those two are going to pretty much have to split the carries 50-50 now. This will hurt Indy, especially down the stretch when Addai starts to exhibit signs of rookie wear and tear.

Addai may not suffer wear and tear. It's usually the older backs that wear down. Some rookies have had great years, especially at the end of the year. Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Jerome Bettis, Ladaninan Tomlinson, Edgerin James etc..

[EmpireWF]

But can a rookie be the featured back for the entire year? I wouldn't have faith that he could handle the load for 16 games. Most if not all rookies will always hit that rookie wall at somepoint in the season. That's why I think Dominic Rhodes will be a key for the Colts offense this year.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

Addai may not suffer wear and tear. It's usually the older backs that wear down. Some rookies have had great years, especially at the end of the year. Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Jerome Bettis, Ladaninan Tomlinson, Edgerin James etc..

Those guys are the exception, not the rule. Rookies usually wear down because they aren't used to the 16 game seasons. Look at the recent history of rookie RBs, and I'd guarantee you the majority of them started getting tired, banged up and became less productive near the end of the season. I know it happened to the Cadallac last year, for sure. Rookies just aren't ready to make the leap from 11 to 16 game seasons; that usually doesn't happen until their sophomore season.