MIAMI -- Reggie Bush's impressive season-long display of durability ended with a knee injury.
The Miami Dolphins running back will miss Sunday's finale against the New York Jets. He was ruled out by Dolphins interim coach Todd Bowles after missing practice for the third consecutive day Friday.
Bush, a 1,000-yard rusher this season for the first time in his six-year NFL career, hurt his right knee late in last week's loss to the New England Patriots.
Bush's absence Sunday likely means more work for rookie Daniel Thomas, although he has been nursing a knee injury, too. The game is meaningless for the Dolphins (5-10), but the Jets (8-7) still have a shot at making the playoffs.
After five years with the New Orleans Saints, Bush joined the Dolphins this season intent on showing he could handle the role of an every-down running back, and he did just that. He leads Miami with 1,086 rushing yards, many coming on dashes between the tackles.
Bush's 216 carries easily were a career high, and he also made 43 catches for 296 yards. His seven touchdowns led the team.
"I already knew all the tools were there," the former Heisman Trophy winner said Thursday. "It was just about the opportunity. I had that opportunity coming here and tried to make the most of it."
Bush's average of 5.0 yards per rush is the highest for a 1,000-yard runner this season. He came on strong after an unimpressive first month of the season, and he led the NFL with 519 rushing yards in December.
For a complete look at all injuries around the league, go to NFL.com's injury page.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
