FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 1/7/2009 11:26pm et

The Times-Picayune, reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) had a more serious knee injury than the team let on. General manager Mickey Loomis said Bush had microfracture surgery on his left knee after he went on season-ending Injured Reserve in December. Loomis said Bush is expected to be ready for the team's June minicamp.

The Huddle Take: There was no question that the knee injury to Bush was affecting him more seriously than originally thought and the offseason microfracture surgery should be considered a serious setback to him leading up to 2009. Even if Bush reports to June minicamp on time, it is likely he will not be at full strength and need some additional time to get back into playing shape after this injury. Backup RB Pierre Thomas looks like he could be the main benefactor as the Saints starter if Bush continues to have problems in his recovery.

Posted: 12/17/2008 9:04pm et

The Associated Press reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) will miss the rest of the season. He will be placed on Injured Reserve.

The Huddle Take: This opens the door even further for RB Pierre Thomas to finish out the regular season as the starter for New Orleans. Since Bush has been injured the last two seasons look for Thomas to be in line to share carries next season regardless if Bush gets back to full health for the start of the 2009 season.

Posted: 12/16/2008 12:35pm et

The Biloxi Sun-Herald reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) may sit out the team's final two games with a knee injury.

The Huddle Take: With the Saints basically out of playoff contention, it'll be interesting to see how the rest of the team reacts. Most people thought Detroit's best chance at a win would have been the week before last against Minnesota. With a potentially dispirited Saint team coming to town, however, this might be their best shot after all.

Posted: 11/29/2008 8:15am et

The Biloxi Sun-Herald, reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) was limited in practice Friday, Nov. 28. He said he would definitely play in Week 13, but he said the same thing for the last two games and did not play. It appears he will be a game-time decision and is listed as questionable for Week 13.

The Huddle Take: Bush is another RB that has had a dismal 2008 season due to his injury problems but this could actually make him more valuable during the last part of the season since he has not suffered the wear and tear of other runners. There is a great chance that Bush will be back in uniform in Week 13 but look for the Saints runner to still share carries with Pierre Thomas for the rest of the year. Bush and Thomas should both be considered No. 3 fantasy running backs.

Posted: 11/27/2008 12:08am et

The Biloxi Sun-Herald, reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday, Nov. 26. For the third week in a row, Bush said he is definitely playing. However, he has yet to play since Week 7.

The Huddle Take: Bush looks to return to action in Week 13 and could play a nice role in the Saints offense going forward but should continue to share carries with Pierre Thomas who has looked strong in his absence. Fantasy owners should find some consistent opportunities for both runners for the duration of the fantasy season.

Posted: 11/25/2008 10:29pm et

The Biloxi Sun-Herald reports the New Orleans Saints are hopeful RB Reggie Bush (knee) will be able to practice more during the coming week and play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Week 13. Head coach Sean Payton hopes Bush can return from his torn MCL, which caused him to be inactive for the fourth straight game during Week 12.

The Huddle Take: It is hopeful, but the team will be careful. They aren't really 'desperate' for Bush to return, but it would help. They want to make sure he stays healthy and not rush him back, so look for him to be used somewhat sparingly initially whenever he's brought back, this week or next.

Posted: 11/23/2008 9:58pm et

FOXSports.com reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) will not play in Week 12 despite practicing all week. Bush sat out the team's Sunday, Nov. 23, walkthrough, but his knee was still too sore to return to full action and the team doesn't want to push him back too early, according to some Saints players. There are also some questions whether or not Bush's knee will be healthy enough to go next week.

The Huddle Take: New Orleans will likely utilize Pierre Thomas as its feature back along side of Duece McAllister as the Saints battle the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Thomas is capable of being the lead back for this team and possesses the power and agility to post some nice numbers against a weak Green Bay rush defense. It is yet to be seen how long Bush will remain out but it is becoming clearer that his injury is more serious than originally thought due to the number of games he has missed.

Posted: 11/21/2008 4:09pm et

The Biloxi Sun-Herald, reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 21. He is listed as questionable for the team's Week 12 game.

The Huddle Take: Nobody's outright saying Bush will play, but the signs are positive. He was wearing a sleeve on his knee in practice yesterday rather than the brace he had been wearing, so take that for what it's worth. The problem, of course, is that the game isn't until Monday -- well after you have to set your lineup. We'll have more on Bush as the weekend progresses to help you make your roster decision.

Posted: 11/20/2008 10:33pm et

The Biloxi Sun-Herald, reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Nov. 20. He practiced without a knee brace for the second straight week, instead wearing a sleeve. He sounded optimistic when asked about his Week 12 status, which is still up in the air.

The Huddle Take: Expect Bush to likely return sooner than expected due to the problems with the other running backs on the roster such as Stecker being placed on IR and McAllister in line for disciplinary action. However, fantasy owners should temper their expectations for Bush since he will likely be limited and have to shake off the rust when he does come back. Pierre Thomas is likely to be the running back to get the most carries for the near future in New Orleans should McAllister be suspended.

Posted: 11/14/2008 4:10pm et

The Biloxi Sun-Herald reports New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 14. He has been ruled out of the team's Week 11 game.

The Huddle Take: It's understandable the Saints would want to be as cautious as possible before a game they should win against Kansas City. However, if question marks continue to surround Bush going into next week's game against Green Bay, then there will be a real cause for concern.