Wednesday, December 5, 2001
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PITTSBURGH >> Jerome Bettis, the NFL's rushing leader, most likely will miss division-leading Pittsburgh's game against the New York Jets on Sunday because of groin and hip injuries. ‘Fu’ may start
against the JetsStar-Bulletin wire services
Bettis was listed yesterday as doubtful, meaning there is a 25 percent chance he could play. But coach Bill Cowher said even that might be overestimating his chances.
"We'll see how he is by the end of the week but, by listing him as doubtful, you can see where I'm heading," Cowher said.
If Bettis can't play, he would be replaced by Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, and Amos Zereoue, who is usually Bettis' backup.
Fuamatu-Ma'afala had 12 carries for 74 yards Sunday in little more than one quarter, and his Bettis-like size probably is the main reason why he would start ahead of the faster but much smaller Zereoue, who is 5-foot-8 and 210 pounds.
Tests on Bettis' hip showed no serious injury, and surgery is not necessary. Bettis also was bothered by a sore groin and abdomen before coming out of a 21-16 victory Sunday over Minnesota after gaining 81 yards in three quarters.
Bettis, who went over the 1,000-mark for the sixth consecutive season Sunday, has 1,072 yards to 1,070 for Curtis Martin of the Jets, who will be healthy for Sunday's game.
Bettis said he wants to play Sunday, but realizes it might be better to miss a regular-season game for only the fourth time in his nine NFL seasons.
"I want to make sure I'm healthy for the rest of the season because we've got a lot of games to go," said Bettis, who initially hurt the hip Nov. 25 against Tennessee.
With Bettis leading the NFL's top-ranked rushing offense, the Steelers (9-2) are tied for the NFL's best record and own the AFC's best record, in line to get home-field advantage for the playoffs.
"I'm going to look at the big picture," Cowher said. "It's not a playoff game. It might have playoff implications, but it's not a playoff game, and I'll keep that in mind."