Colts Bring Back Former RB Starter Rhodes Via 1-Year Deal

Indianapolis, IN (AHN) - Running back Dominic Rhodes on Wednesday signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts, reuniting him with the team where he spent his first five years in the NFL.

Financial terms were not immediately disclosed although Indystar.com reported the deal to be worth $650,000. The contract would allow the 29-year-old Rhodes to return to Indianapolis, which he helped win the Super Bowl during the 2006 season.

"I can't even share with you the excitement I'm feeling right now,'' Rhodes told the Web site.

After partnering with Joseph Addai to form an explosive backfield behind Peyton Manning, Rhodes left for Oakland, where he signed a two-year contract. Last season, he served a four-game suspension for violating the league's abuse policy.

In returning to the Colts' offense, Rhodes will split carries with last year's starter Joseph Addai, who supplanted him in the slot in the 2006 playoffs. The tandem combined for 190 yards in Indianapolis' Super Bowl victory over Chicago two years ago.

Rhodes knows what it'll be like in Indianapolis when he returns.

"I know this is Joe's team . . . but that doesn't mean I'm not going to go out there and compete and try to get as many carries as I can and push him to be a great starter,'' he said. "I don't want to put the cart before the horse but I kind of think I'm the missing ingredient, man.''

Rhodes ran for 641 yards and five touchdowns in 2006, his last year with the Colts before moving to Oakland. He also had 251 receiving yards in 36 receptions in that season.

Last year with the Raiders, Rhodes managed just 302 rushing yards and one touchdown in 10 games.