Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush has missed practice for the third time this week and is therefore unlikely to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Bush injured his ankle early on in his team's week-10 contest against the Miami Dolphins after missing two games already this season with the same issue.

The 29-year-old has missed three practice sessions this week and the Lions will rest him against the Cardinals in order for his injury to heal, NFL.com reports.

Bush's absence is expected to hand Joique Bell the majority of carries for Detroit on Sunday, while Theo Reddick will be used mainly in the passing game out of the backfield.

The Lions are 7-2 for the season so far and they lead the NFC North, with divisional rivals the Green Bay Packers trailing them at 6-3.