Reggie Bush 'optimistic' he'll play Sunday

Published Sep. 19, 2013 12:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush says he intends to practice Friday for the first time since injuring his left knee in a game four days ago.

His status for Sunday’s game at Washington, however, remains in question.

“I’m optimistic about playing,” Bush told reporters Thursday. “Today was a good day. The progress thus far since this last Sunday has been really good. I feel it’s a lot further than I expected. It feels a lot better than I thought it was going to feel. I’m happy where it is right now. Today was a very positive day, so we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

Bush was injured in the second quarter of a 25-21 loss at Arizona when he took a helmet to the knee while getting tackled.

He returned on the next possession but fumbled early in the second half and was held out the rest of the game.

Bush couldn't identify the exact nature of the injury because doctors had described it to him in complex terms, he said.

“All I know is I didn’t tear anything,” Bush said. “That’s the only thing I was worried about.”

A decision on whether he plays quite possibly won't be made until Saturday, if not Sunday.

“It’s going to be a collective decision,” Bush said. “It’s going to be the doctors, the trainers, the coach, me, we’re all going to make a decision together as to whether they feel like I can go

“It’s going to come down to what I can show them on the field. It’s not going to be about what I say. I can say a whole lot of things and if I can’t show it on the field, then I shouldn’t be on the field on Sunday.

“If I can’t go, then so be it, I’ll definitely be ready for next weekend (Sept. 29 against Chicago).”

The Lions will release their official injury report Friday at 4 p.m. Bush is likely to be listed as either questionable or doubtful.

If Bush isn't able to play against the Redskins, the running back duties will fall primarily on his top backup, Joique Bell, along with possibly rookie Theo Riddick and/or Mikel Leshoure.