"The Indianapolis Colts' running game appears on the verge of getting a second boost in as many weeks.

Joseph Addai, who missed the past eight games with nerve damage in his left shoulder, is optimistic he'll return to the lineup Sunday at Oakland.

"I don't want to say I'm playing, (but) I feel like I've got a great chance," he said before Thursday afternoon's practice. "I practiced (Wednesday) and I felt good. I didn't set myself back.

"I'm excited. I'm happy with the direction I'm going."

Addai's return would come on the heels of his backup, Donald Brown, rushing for a career-high 129 yards in last Sunday's win over Jacksonville.

Addai last played Oct. 17 at Washington, where he rushed for a season-high 128 yards. On his final carry, his left shoulder and neck were on the receiving end of a hard hit by Redskins linebacker London Fletcher.

Addai, the Colts' 2006 first-round draft pick, has spent the past two months allowing the nerve to heal and regaining strength in his left arm and shoulder."