"Joseph Addai finds himself toeing a precarious line as Sunday's game with the Carolina Panthers nears.

The Indianapolis Colts veteran running back enjoyed another uneventful practice Thursday and is eager to return to the lineup, but is aware he must be certain a nagging injury to his right hamstring will not hinder him.

"It's really that fine line, being smart,'' Addai said. "(With a hamstring), you want to go out there and play . . . but you have to be smart about it. You could be almost there, push it and set yourself back.''

Since injuring his hamstring Oct. 9 against Kansas City, Addai has been inactive twice, been in uniform twice as an emergency back but not played, and logged two carries for 8 yards in the loss at New Orleans."