Knee problems will affect Bush’s fantasy value
Posted: January 7th, 2009 | Michael Fabiano | Tags: New Orleans Saints, Reggie Bush
(Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Reggie Bush underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee in mid-December. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said he still expects Bush to be ready in time for the team’s first minicamp in early June, but such procedures are difficult to put a timetable on.
Knee problems are nothing new for Bush.
He was forced to miss the final four games of the 2007 season with a torn posterior cruciate ligament. He later experienced swelling and soreness in the same knee during training camp. He then suffered a torn meniscus against the Panthers in Week 7 that required arthroscopic surgery and kept him off the field, and out of fantasy lineups, for four games.
Bush’s latest knee ailment came in Week 15 against the Bears. All of this will make him a risk-reward selection when it comes time for fantasy drafts.
Based on the fact that Bush is a shifty runner who counts on his speed and elusiveness (which requires quick lateral movements), all of these surgical procedures in such a short period of time are cause for concern. In fact, I’d look for Pierre Thomas, not Bush, to be the first Saints runner drafted in most formats.
Thomas was a hero for countless owners down the stretch, and he’ll be a huge part of the offense next season if the Saints decide not to retain McAllister.
