"The Indianapolis Colts found their running game in Sunday night's 27-24 win over the Washington Redskins, but might have lost their No. 1 running back.

Joseph Addai did not return after being on the receiving end of a wicked hit by Washington linebacker London Fletcher on the second play of the fourth quarter. The collision forced a fumble by Addai that was recovered by Redskins safety LaRon Landry.

Addai remained on the ground for several minutes before being helped off the field with an injury to his left shoulder. He exited the locker room with an ice wrap on his left shoulder and without comment.

Before being injured, Addai was more than the Redskins could handle. He rushed 17 times for a season-best 128 yards and one touchdown. The Colts finished with a season-high 170 yards as Mike Hart added 43 yards on 11 carries.

"The O-line did a great job,'' said Hart. "And it was great to see Joe run the ball like that because he's a great back.''

It was Addai's eighth career 100-yard rushing game and the Colts' first since Addai had 105 yards against Houston Nov. 16, 2008, a dry spell of 27 games.

Addai also moved past Randy McMillan into No. 8 on the Colts' career rushing list with 3,931 yards. His 46-yard run in the third quarter was a career high.

"Any time you can come in and run the ball like that on the road, you've got a better chance of winning,'' center Jeff Saturday said.

Quarterback Peyton Manning has emphasized the need for the Colts to stick with their No. 28-ranked running attack, even when it is struggling.

"It just let's (defenses) know we're going to do it,'' he said. "It keeps the threat there. It just keeps that good balance we're looking for.''"