Saints place RB Bush on injured reserve

Dec 17, 2008 - 6:57 PM NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- The injury-plagued season of New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush is over.

The Saints placed Bush on the injured reserve list Wednesday with a sprained left knee, meaning he will miss the team's final two games against Detroit and Carolina.

The former Southern California star finished his third season in New Orleans with just 404 yards and two touchdowns on 106 carries.

Bush suffered a left knee injury against Carolina on October 19 and missed the next four games following arthroscopic surgery.

He returned to action against Tampa Bay on October 30 and scored a touchdown the following week against Atlanta.

Bush appeared to be on the mend, but he sprained the knee in last Thursday's 27-24 overtime loss at Chicago and was limited to only 30 yards on six carries.

On Saturday, New Orleans coach Sean Payton indicated that Bush would not return to the lineup until further undergoing a further evaluation.

However, given his limited effectiveness last week, the Saints decided to shut him down for the remainder of the season.

Bush's absence leaves the Saints furthered shorthanded in the backfield as they are now down to Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell, who has had only six carries this season after signing with New Orleans in Week 12.

To take Bush's roster spot, the Saints signed cornerback Michael Lehan, who had been with the Miami Dolphins.