Dolphins' Bush expects to play despite sprained knee
Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush had his practice participation limited during Thursday's session because of a left knee sprain he's been nursing for a couple weeks.
Bush, who leads the Dolphins with 417 rushing yards and three touchdowns, hurt his left knee during the Sept. 23 overtime loss to the New York Jets.
He's started every game since, gaining 115 rushing yards on 35 carries, but openly admits he's not at full strength this week.
"One-hundred percent? I don't even know what that is anymore," said Bush, who has also caught 12 passes for 96 yards. "As far as being 100 percent from, I guess, from a health standpoint, no. That's part of this league. You learn to play with injuries, and some of the great players who've played in this league ... have learned to play well with injuries.
Bush has battled nagging injuries throughout his six-year career.
"That's one of the things that I just try to remember and try to do every day, every time I step on this field on a daily basis, whether it's practice or on Sundays -- (I) just try to make sure that I'm out there," he said. "If I'm out there, I'm doing my best regardless of if I have little injuries here or there."
Bush is expected to play in Sunday's home game against the St. Louis Rams, but with or without him, the Dolphins will be thin at the position because of the concussion tailback Daniel Thomas suffered last week.
It was Thomas' second concussion this season, and he's being kept out of contact work the entire week. It's doubtful that he'll be cleared to play, and coach Joe Philbin said Thursday that Thomas won't be cleared to practice until the medical staff and the NFL approve it.
Lamar Miller is expected to replace Thomas as Bush's primary backup.
Miller, the Dolphins' fourth-round pick in the 2012 draft, leads the team with an average of 5.5 yards per carry. He's gained 126 yards on 23 carries in the three games he's played.
The former University of Miami standout intends to seize the day and show the coaches he's addressed the shortcomings of his game.
"I've got to continue to know my opponent better, watch more film and learn what I need to work on to get better in practice," Miller said. "I'm working on being more physical running the ball and in pass protection. I've got to hit the holes and stop dancing with the rock.
"Sometimes I'm too patient. This is a fast league. I'm not going to run away from everybody. I've got to hit it and get positive yards."
