HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. ? (AP) ? Curtis Martin's season ended Wednesday because of a lingering knee injury, but the New York Jets hope the star running back will play again.

 

The Jets placed the 33-year-old Martin on the reserved physically-unable-to perform list. Coach Eric Mangini said he spoke to Martin on Tuesday night, and the NFL's No. 4 career rusher said he didn't think he'd be ready to practice next week ? the team's deadline for a decision on his availability this season.

 

"I think his heart was saying one thing and unfortunately, the injury was saying something else,'' Mangini said.

 

The announcement ended months of speculation about Martin's future since his injury last season. Mangini said Martin will attend meetings and work with the team, but will not play this season.

 

Mangini did not rule out Martin playing again next season. When asked if he would be willing to go through a similar situation next year with uncertainty surrounding Martin's availability, Mangini said, "For Curtis Martin, yes.''

 

Martin, who has rushed for 14,101 yards, was first injured during the second week of last season but played in 12 games before ending his year. He underwent surgery in December, but was slow to recover. He was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list before training camp so he could rehabilitate the knee.

 

The four-time Pro Bowl player was eligible to come off the PUP list Oct. 16, but the team announced he'd remain on it until after the game at Cleveland last Sunday.

 

On Monday, Mangini said he spoke with Martin, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and the Jets' medical staff last week. They chose to hold off until next week on making a decision on whether Martin would rejoin the team and practice.

 

Mangini reiterated that Tuesday, but said things changed after talking with Martin on Tuesday night.

Probably time to retire. Looking at guys like Martin playing past their prime, I can see why Tiki wants to go out on top.