Saints will place Bush on injured reserve with knee injury has 0 comments

Dec 18th 2008, 08:07 | FFN-Score: 1 points

The New Orleans Saints will place Reggie Bush on injured reserve, ending the star running back's injury-riddled season two games early.

Bush sprained his medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the second quarter of the Saints' 27-24 loss in Chicago last Thursday night. Bush was examined over the weekend, and Saints coach Sean Payton announced at practice Wednesday that the team had decided to hold him out for the final two games.

Payton said the Saints, who were eliminated from playoff contention over the weekend, wouldn't have placed Bush on injured reserve if they were still fighting to reach the postseason. Payton also said Bush's injury doesn't require surgery, just rest and rehabilitation.

We're encouraged with the overall outlook in not having to have surgery," Payton said. "He should be able to recover 100 percent and be ready for the start of the offseason program."

The left knee injury is the second of the season for Bush, who suffered a tear in the meniscus of the same knee during an Oct. 19 game against the Panthers. He underwent surgery the following week and missed four games before returning to action late last month.

Bush has nine touchdowns this season, including three on punt returns. He has 404 rushing yards and 52 receptions for 440 yards.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.