Saints RB Bush to remain sidelined

Dec 13, 2008 - 11:21 PM NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- With their playoff hopes likely over, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton is not going to rush Reggie Bush backup into the lineup.

Payton said Saturday that the running back needs further examination, including an evaluation by noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

Bush sprained his left knee in Thursday's 27-24 overtime loss at Chicago that likely ended the Saints' playoff hopes.

Bush, who rushed for only 30 yards on six carries before suffering the injury, objected to being taken out of the game.

"I just work here," Bush said after the contest. "I'm just an employee. I don't call the shots. I definitely don't call the plays."

Payton, however, shrugged off the criticism.

"We all just work here, right?" Payton said. "So I don't pay much attention to those comments that we're able to capture after a tough game. He's got to have this thing looked at and evaluated, and he's got to stay healthy and get healthy."

Bush already has missed four games this year with a left knee injury after sitting out the final four contests last season with another injury to the same knee.

Bush will have an MRI early next week and the team may elect to shut him down for the remainder of the season.

In 10 games this season, the former Southern California star has rushed for only 404 yards and two touchdowns on 106 carries.