FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 4/10/2013 10:38am et

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said Tuesday, April 9, that RB Reggie Bush could potentially catch between 60-80 balls in 2013.

Huddle Up: Bush hasn't been in that range of receptions since recording 89 and 73 his first two years in the league, averaging 42 catches a year over the past five seasons. Lions running backs have collectively averaged 90 catches a season over that same span, but aside from a handful of games with Jahvid Best they haven't had a dynamic pass-catching back like Bush. Still, best to err on the low end of Schwartz's optimistic estimate when projecting Reggie's numbers this year.

Posted: 3/23/2013 3:01pm et

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said this week that RB Reggie Bush will be used in a role similar to his days with the New Orleans Saints. In two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, he averaged 222 carries and 39 catches per season, but in five years in New Orleans, he averaged 105 carries and 59 receptions per campaign.

Huddle Up: This isn't necessarily good news fantasy-wise, as Bush would be down more than five touches per game from his recent work with Miami. Fantasy owners already are ceding Detroit's goal line looks to Mikel Leshoure, so Bush's fantasy value in Detroit would be down from what it's been the past two seasons as a Dolphin.

Posted: 3/20/2013 1:56pm et

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said there is a possibility RB Reggie Bush could return punts or kickoffs this season.

Huddle Up: It seems unwise to ask Bush to be both the feature back and a special teams mainstay; maybe the plan is for Bush to be the RBBC lead dog and a sometimes return man. Don't overly inflate Bush's fantasy value in leagues where you also get credit for return yards, but that potential does make for an intriguing tie-breaker.

Posted: 3/13/2013 2:40pm et

The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with RB Reggie Bush on a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Huddle Up: Bush was reportedly told he'd be the Lions' starter, which would put Mikel Leshoure at the back end of Detroit's RBBC. Bush gives the Lions a dynamic back, especially in the passing game, while Leshoure is likely to hang on to the goal line work.

Posted: 3/13/2013 12:07pm et

The Detroit Lions have offered free-agent RB Reggie Bush a full-time position in the offense over RB Mikel Leshoure.

Huddle Up: Bush would be the lead dog in a committee that also includes Mikel Leshoure and would give the Lions the closest thing they've had to a dynamic running back since Jahvid Best hung up his cleats. There are at least a couple other teams interested in Reggie, but the Lions are offering something (a starting gig) they may not be willing to offer.

Posted: 3/8/2013 11:49pm et

Miami Dolphins impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush has emerged as one of the Detroit Lions' top free agent targets this offseason.

Huddle Up: Adding a speed back like Bush to a rotation that includes Mikel Leshoure makes sense, as Bush would fill the role Jahvid Best handled until his injury. Such a role might result in fewer touches for Bush, and Leshoure is a solid goal line back, but Bush would still have value in PPR leagues.

Posted: 2/28/2013 4:15pm et

Updating a previous report, while the Detroit Lions are interested in free-agent RB Reggie Bush (Dolphins), it might take $5 million or so to land the speedy back.

Huddle Up: Given their extended run of RB woes, the Lions are one of the few NFL teams that likely would be willing to pony up for a higher-priced back.

Posted: 2/26/2013 10:40pm et

The Detroit Lions have legitimate interest in signing free-agent RB Reggie Bush (Dolphins).

Huddle Up: The Dolphins appear content to let Bush leave, and the Lions -- a franchise which seemingly has been searching for a legit back since Barry Sanders' retirement -- have all the makings of a great fit.

Posted: 2/25/2013 12:31am et

The San Diego Chargers could show interest in Miami Dolphins impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush as they will be looking for a third-down back.

Huddle Up: The Chargers and their new regime have stated their confidence in incumbent starter Ryan Mathews, but at the same time, they aren't going to take any chances given Mathews' lengthy injury history.

Posted: 2/21/2013 10:47pm et

While there has been no decision on RB Reggie Bush's status, Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said the team would love to have a player of his skillset on the roster. 'Certainly would, you'd love to have his skillset on the football team, Reggie has a unique set of skill sets, he's been a receiver, a primary running back, I definitely see a role for that type of skill set,' Ireland said. 'We'll just have to see how things go, we've got a few more days of talking to our own guys and we'll see how things go.'

Huddle Up: The Fins would like to re-sign Bush but only at the right price for a back who is worthy of the majority of a team's RB touches but still isn't a true, workhorse back.

Posted: 2/14/2013 3:03pm et

The Denver Broncos are not expected to show interest in Miami Dolphins impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush because they have RB Ronnie Hillman who fills a similar role.

Huddle Up: The Broncos likely will add a RB this offseason, but it's going to have to be at the right price and Bush doesn't fit into that range.

Posted: 2/12/2013 11:08pm et

Cincinnati Bengals running backs coach Hue Jackson has had success in the run game before, and this is a unit in need of upgrades. Two potential fits in free agency might be RBs Reggie Bush (Dolphins) and Chris Ivory (Saints). The latter is a restricted free agent, so the team's interest might hinge on what type of tender the team attaches to Ivory.

Huddle Up: The Bengals could use a pass-catching, explosive No. 2 back to complement the physical, between-the-tackles style of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and either back would appear to fill the bill provided they become available and come at workable price for Cincy.

Posted: 2/10/2013 11:04pm et

Miami Dolphins impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush is confused as to why the team has not made a contract offer to him at this point. Bush would like to re-sign with the team this offseason.

Huddle Up: Bush certainly has made a case with his on-field performance, but his asking price might be a little too rich for the Dolphins, who seem prepared to rely on young backs Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas.

Posted: 2/7/2013 12:40pm et

The New York Jets may show interest in Miami Dolphins impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush this offseason but likely would not be able to afford his expected salary. Bush would fit well in the team's new West Coast offense.

Huddle Up: Free agency definitely has the potential to make for some strange bedfellows after the on- and off-field sniping that has taken place between Bush and the Jets during recent seasons. The potential fit may be there, but it's hard envisioning this collaboration coming together.

Posted: 1/28/2013 11:12pm et

The Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions are both likely to be interested in Miami Dolphins impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush, who is highly unlikely to be re-signed by Miami. The Dolphins will, however, offer Bush a "team-friendly" offer.

Huddle Up: Both the Bengals and Lions are looking for a "speed" back to complement their plodding between-the-tackles feature back. Unless another team steps up with more of a feature back offer (with feature back money), those may be Bush's only options.

Posted: 1/13/2013 12:58pm et

The Miami Dolphins are expected to make a team-friendly offer to impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush at some point during the offseason.

Huddle Up: "Team-friendly" is the key phrase here as while Bush has been productive, he's been a little too inconsistent to earn big-time, No. 1 RB pay.

Posted: 1/11/2013 12:59am et

The Miami Dolphins have not reached out to the representative for impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush as of Tuesday, Jan. 8, to discuss a new contract. The team is interested in re-signing Bush but only at the right price.

Huddle Up: The key phrase is "right price." Bush has had some dynamic games for the Dolphins over the past 2 seasons, but he's been a little on the inconsistent side for a true No. 1 back.

Posted: 12/25/2012 11:55pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush needs 40 rushing yards in Week 17 against the New England Patriots to hit 1,000 yards for a second straight season.

Huddle Up: Bush is flourishing at the finish for the second straight season, racking up at least 100 total yards in each of his past 3 games, including 107 and 3 TDs Sunday in the win over the Bills.

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:46am et

The Miami Dolphins will attempt to re-sign impending free-agent RB Reggie Bush in the offseason, according to team sources, but only at their price, not Bush's. The team also has RB Lamar Miller on the roster.

Huddle Up: The Dolphins have the luxury of having two high-round draft picks on the roster as insurance in case Bush leaves. Additionally, Bush has never been regarded as a true feature back so a large offer from another team is unlikely. With the market keeping his price down, there's a decent chance Bush returns to Miami for another season as lead dog in an RBBC that includes Daniel Thomas swiping goal line looks.

Posted: 12/8/2012 11:26pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush said he would like to re-sign with the team next season but the team has not told him if they plan to offer him a contract this offseason.

Huddle Up: In the meantime, fantasy GMs have playoff matchups to win, and after a hot start, Bush has cooled considerably, eclipsing 65 rushing yards only once in the past 8 games. The going certainly doesn't get any easier this Sunday with a road matchup against the 49ers' second-ranked fantasy run defense.

Posted: 11/26/2012 9:03pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (30) and RB Daniel Thomas (29) had a nearly even split in the number of on-field snaps during Week 12.

Huddle Up: Both were equally productive as well with Bush gaining 82 yards and scoring a rushing TD on 15 touches and Thomas picking up 78 yards and also notching a rushing score on 10 touches. Look for the split to continue.

Posted: 11/16/2012 12:19am et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush rushed 10 times for 20 yards and caught 2 passes for 15 yards Thursday night in his team's 19-14 road loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Huddle Up: For the second straight game, Bush received fewer rushing attempts than Daniel Thomas (12-10) and finished with fewer than 36 yards from scrimmage. He didn't lose a fumble as he did last week (resulting in a first-half benching) but never got into any kind of flow, and to be fair, the Fins' entire offense never did either with QB Ryan Tennehill and the offensive line noticeably struggling. Whatever the reasons, though, Bush laid an egg in what looked to be a very favorable matchup against the league's worst fantasy run defense.

Posted: 11/15/2012 1:14pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush has averaged 5.6 yards per carry in his career against the Buffalo Bills.

Huddle Up: The Bills are certain to be ready with painful memories of Bush's career-high 203-yard rushing day in Week 15 last season still all too fresh.

Posted: 11/13/2012 11:02pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush said Tuesday, Nov. 13, that he vows to bounce back from his first career benching after a Week 10 first-quarter fumble. It was his third fumble of the season, and second lost fumble. It was also his seventh straight game with less than 100 yards rushing. 'At the end of the day, the only thing I can control is fumbling the football,' Bush said. 'I know how to control that. I know how to fix that and I know how to obviously get better at it and that's the only thing I can control.'

Huddle Up: Bush has a juicy matchup Thursday against a Bills' defense ranked dead-last in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs, but his uneven (at best) track record of late -- and the Dolphins' willingness to use Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller -- should have his fantasy owners more than a little wary. Start him if you need to, but weigh the risks/rewards before doing so.

Posted: 11/12/2012 1:37pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush issued an apology via Twitter to fans after he was benched following a first-quarter fumble in Week 10. 'I have to apologize to Dolphin Nation,' Bush said. 'My performance these past few weeks has been poor and I'm embarrassed right now! You guys deserve better.'

Huddle Up: I didn't hear any specific apologies to fantasy players, and trust me Reggie, we care more than anybody else.

Posted: 11/12/2012 11:56am et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush, who sat out a large portion of the first half in Week 10 after a costly fumble, said he agreed with the benching after the game. "I didn't deserve to be back in there," Bush said. "I fumbled the ball and I've had two fumbles lost this year. I have to do a better job of protecting the ball. I've been in this league long enough to know protecting the ball is the most important thing as a running back." Bush later returned in the second half and he finished with 21 yards on four carries and one catch for 8 yards.

Huddle Up: Bush's Week 10 egg was one of the larger fantasy disappointments of the week, as it came against a defense he should have had little difficulty torching. He's already essentially splitting carries with Daniel Thomas so it's unlikely this impacts his workload going forward--unless the Dolphins want to completely remove athletic playmakers from their offensive game plan. But it does make it tougher to trust him against what should be a favorable fantasy schedule the rest of the way.

Posted: 11/5/2012 3:42pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas received more snaps than RB Reggie Bush in Week 9. Thomas received 33 snaps during the game while Bush received 28 snaps.

Huddle Up: Before the season Bush stated he wanted to lead the league in rushing. Those lofty goals have gone by the wayside and he is yielding more touches to Thomas. Bush had a decent game in week 9 anyway in PPR format, but he is less dependable than his owners had hoped.

Posted: 10/13/2012 12:38am et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 12, and is listed as probable for Week 6.

Huddle Up: Bush is eager for a big game after being held to 67 yards or fewer in each of his past 3 contests. He should get that opportunity Sunday facing the Rams, who rank 19th against opposing fantasy RBs, Also, fellow RB Daniel Thomas will be out with a concussion, leaving more carries for Bush and rookie Lamar Miller.

Posted: 10/4/2012 10:13pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (hip) fully participated in practice Thursday, Oct. 4.

Huddle Up: Bush, who played with a knee contusion this past Sunday, now is dealing with a hip issue this week, but after being limited Wednesday, he's looking good to go for Week 5.

Posted: 10/3/2012 5:39pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, Oct. 3.

Huddle Up: According to Dolphins beat writers, Bush was limited by a new hip injury. He played a good deal last week against the Cardinals, though, and it seems like he should be good to go this week against the Bengals.

Posted: 10/1/2012 1:54pm et

The Miami Dolphins appeared to limit RB Reggie Bush's workload in Week 4 because of his knee injury. RB Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller received more playing time than usual during the game. Bush finished the game with 67 yards on 17 carries.

Huddle Up: One has to wonder whether these young players will continue to eat into Bush's production in an attempt to keep him fresh.

Posted: 9/30/2012 9:43pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (knee) was active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals -- a week after leaving the Fins' Week 3 game against the Jets with a knee contusion.

Huddle Up: Bush was able to play after suffering no structural damage to his knee and led Miami with 67 rushing yards on 17 carries. Meanwhile, the Dolphins' other two top backs, Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller, combined for only 17 rushing yards on 8 attempts.

Posted: 9/29/2012 11:39pm et

The Miami Dolphins are hopeful RB Reggie Bush (knee) can play in the Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals, but there is still uncertainty. Bush is expected to be a game-time decision.

Huddle Up: Most signs point toward Bush being active, but even if he is, fantasy owners also have to weigh the amount of touches he would receive and also the late-afternoon kickoff in the desert. It's best not to put too much fantasy stock in Bush this week.

Posted: 9/29/2012 12:42am et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (knee) was limited in practice Friday, Sept. 28, and is questionable for Week 4.

Huddle Up: With no structural damage to his knee, Bush has been lobbying Miami coaches to play. Even if he does, though, you have to doubt that Bush will see his normal workload with Daniel Thomas and rookie Lamar Miller available to pitch in.

Posted: 9/27/2012 3:34pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush was limited in practice Thursday, Sept. 27, according to head coach Joe Philbin.

Huddle Up: That Bush is even practicing at all after suffering a knee injury in Week 3 is good news, and reports from Miami's practice indicate that Bush actually looked quite good in his limited work. It would be nice to see him get in a full practice on Friday, but as it stands you may be able to use Bush in your fantasy lineup this week.

Posted: 9/26/2012 4:25pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (knee) said if it were up to him, he would play in the team's Week 4 game. 'If it were up to me, I'd be playing no matter what,' Bush said.

Huddle Up: If it were up to Reggie Bush's fantasy owners, he would play. Of course, there is something to be said about keeping him healthy. His knee injury turned out to be a bruise, not ligament damage; this gives him a better shot to avoid missing time than if he had sprained something.

Posted: 9/26/2012 2:26pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (knee) is not participating in practice Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Huddle Up: They could simply be giving his knee time to heal. It is a bruise, which is excellent news for him and his fantasy owners, but it is increasingly worrisome the longer he goes without practice. The Dolphins might choose to rest him in favor of a Daniel Thomas/Lamar Miller split if Bush misses the next day or two. Keep an eye on this situation.

Posted: 9/24/2012 12:19pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush avoided serious injury in Week 3; however, the team is concerned Bush may have to miss a few games with a left knee injury. Bush wanted to return in the team's Week 3 game; however, his injured left knee stiffened up on him. Bush's injury should not be a season-threatening issue, according to a source.

Huddle Up: Some sources are saying Bush won't return until after the Dolphins' Week 7 bye, but there's been no official word yet from the team. Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas will share backfield duties while Bush is out, with Miller the more attractive fantasy play.

Posted: 9/23/2012 6:32pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush (knee) left in the second quarter after suffering a knee injury. He did not return.

Huddle Up: It looked as if Bush took a helmet to his left knee, and his loss robbed the Dolphins of their top fantasy weapon. Bush, ranked second among fantasy RBs entering the contest, finished with 61 yards on 10 carries and one catch for 1 yard.

Posted: 9/22/2012 5:41pm et

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said he wants his defense to contain Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush in Week 3. Ryan added Bush must go down hard upon contact. 'Reggie Bush is, everybody knows, he's a special player,' Ryan said. 'He's got great speed, that's the first thing that jumps out at you. He's shifty. He runs with a little more power than people give him credit for ... Obviously we have to do a great job of getting a lot of guys to him and then get him on the ground. Put some hot sauce on him, if you will.'

Huddle Up: Ryan's focus is well placed. As the only true fantasy weapon the Dolphins have, Bush has totalled 100 or more yards from scrimmage in the past 6 games he has played, including 197 and pair of TDs in Week 2 vs. the Raiders. Expect the going to be a little tougher Sunday against a solid Jets defense.

Posted: 6/16/2012 12:24pm et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush said the team is still going to run the football a lot in 2012 despite shifting over to a West Coast offense. "I don't think that's something that's going to change too much," Bush said. Bush had career highs in rushes (216), yards (1,086) and rushing touchdowns (six) last season. Last season, the Dolphins ran 469 times and passed 469 times. New offensive coordinator Mike Sherman had a fairly balanced attack last year with the Texas A&M Aggies, with the team rushing 507 times and passing 537 times. During the two seasons there, the team ran more than they passed each year.

Huddle Up: As Sherman's track record indicates, just because a team runs the West Coast offense doesn't mean they abandon the run. Bush should be in line for another heavy workload, with sophomore Daniel Thomas and rookie Lamar Miller playing supporting roles.

Posted: 5/29/2012 12:05am et

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush said he is unsure if the team's up-tempo practices can translate to offensive success during the season. Bush said the team has been running a lot of plays and using a lot of no-huddle during offseason workouts. 'That's a lot of plays. I was just asking our running back coach (Jeff Nixon), 'Is this going to be the temp in the game?'' Bush said. 'We're pretty fast right now, but usually we practice faster than we should play. Hopefully the tempo will go down a little bit and save some guys because that's a lot of plays in one game.'

Huddle Up: Bush just had his big breakout season under ex-OC Brian Daboll (who's now running the Chiefs offense) and now he has to start over in a new program. New Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman is known for an old-school approach, and you know HC Joe Philbin is on the same page. Philbin worked for Sherman in Green Bay.