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.

	Bettis

Bettis was listed Tuesday as doubtful, meaning there is a 25 percent chance he could play. 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.

Bettis has led the Steelers to a 9-2 record, the best in the AFC.

An MRI test on Bettis' hip showed no serious injury. He also was bothered by a sore groin and abdomen before coming out of the Steelers' 21-16 victory Sunday over Minnesota after gaining 81 yards in three quarters.

Bettis said there is some internal bleeding but it is not serious.

If Bettis can't play, he would be replaced by Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, who at 255 pounds is the same weight as Bettis, and Amos Zereoue. Fuamatu-Ma'afala had 12 carries for 74 yards Sunday in a little more than one quarter.

Bettis has missed only three games in nine NFL seasons. If he can't play, he would miss a matchup against the Jets' Curtis Martin, the NFL's second-leading rusher. Bettis has 1,072 yards to Martin's 1,070.