Saints coach Payton: Bush had knee surgery

Dec 29, 2008 - 7:16 PM METAIRIE, Louisiana (Ticker) -- New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his injured left knee, the second knee operation in less than three months for the former Heisman Trophy winner.

Saints coach Sean Payton told reporters about Bush's latest surgery during his news conference Monday, one day after New Orleans closed its season with a loss to Carolina.

Payton said that Bush was on crutches while attending a Monday morning team meeting at the Saints' practice facility.

Bush, 23, battled injuries to his knee throughout the campaign and missed six games this season, his third in the NFL. He finished the season with just 404 yards on 106 carries and also hauled in 52 receptions while scoring nine total touchdowns.

Bush initially 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 a 27-24 overtime loss at Chicago earlier this month and was placed on injured reserve.