ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz was noncommittal about the availability of running back Reggie Bush for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.
"We'll see," Schwartz said Monday at his weekly news conference. "He's no different than a lot of other players. We lost Jason Jones for the year in this game and have a lot of other bumps and bruises.
"Nothing that appears to be anything more than short-term, but we'll have some issues getting guys on the practice field this week. When it comes to Sunday, we'll try to do it just like we did with all our players. Make the best decision for 46 guys that can execute the game plan and put us in the best position to win."
Schwartz's comment came one day after Bush told ESPN.com that he could have played this past Sunday against the Washington Redskins if it had been a playoff game and that he would be "100 percent" playing against the Bears.
"I feel good, man," Bush said after Sunday's win. "Honestly, I could have played today but it was coaches and doctors that decided it was best to sit this one out. Just to not risk any further injury. If it was a playoff game, I would have been in there.
"But just to not risk any further injury and get myself healthy and get ready for a really big divisional game this week."
Schwartz said he communicated with Bush throughout last week about his availability all the way up to Sunday before declaring him inactive. He also indicated the decision was not confrontational.
Bush said last Thursday that the decision for him to play against the Redskins would be a group decision between coaches, trainers and himself.
"We're going to make the decision for the 46 that we think give us the best chance to win that game," Schwartz said. "That was the decision that I made. That's all that needs to be said.
"Every player is game to play. I don't think I've ever had a player say, 'Coach, I can't go today.' Everybody wants to play, but you have to use discretion to figure out what is going to be best for the team. That's our guiding principle -- what's best for the team."
Joique Bell enjoyed a productive game Sunday as Bush's replacement, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown and hauling in four receptions for 69 yards. Detroit also used rookie Theo Riddick at running back.