The New York Jets have officially ruled out running back LaDainian Tomlinson for Thursday night's game against the Denver Broncos.
Coach Rex Ryan confirmed Tuesday that Tomlinson sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during last weekend's loss to the New England Patriots. The New York Daily News first reported Tomlinson would not play against the Broncos, and the team made it official on its injury report Wednesday.
Tomlinson, sixth on the NFL's career rushing list, did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday. He will be replaced in the backfield with rookie Bilal Powell, who has been inactive all season. Shonn Greene is the full-time starter, and Joe McKnight is the main backup.
Tomlinson, 32, said he definitely will play on Nov. 27 against Buffalo. The injury is to the same knee that hobbled him in the playoffs following the 2007 regular season, but Tomlinson said it's far less serious.
The Jets also ruled out safety Brodney Pool (knee), wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (knee) and tight end Shawn Nelson (illness). Wide receiver Patrick Turner (kidney) was among 14 players listed as probable.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
