TallySaint

Bush could take hit right on the number

Tailback scheduled for hamstring MRI

Tuesday, May 16, 2006
By Jimmy Smith
Staff writer, Times-Picayune

It wasn't a very good news day on any front for Saints tailback Reggie Bush.

Bush was scheduled to undergo an MRI on his strained left hamstring late Monday afternoon to rule out a possible tear.

And his marketing representative, Mike Ornstein, said it's appearing more unlikely Bush will be wearing his customary No. 5 this season, though it's possible the rule barring running backs from wearing single-digit numbers could be changed in time for the 2007 season.

Bush ran gingerly during the final practice of the Saints' three-day rookie minicamp Monday at the Airline Drive practice facility, and it was obvious he was still favoring the injury, which occurred while he was stretching during the first workout Saturday.

"It feels good, but obviously not 100 percent," Bush said Monday. "So we're just taking it day by day. I'd guesstimate maybe by Sunday it will be 100 percent."

The MRI should be able to diagnose the extent of the injury.

"I want to make sure it gets to 100 percent," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "I want to make sure we're being smart and not being dumb. The good news is it's felt better each of these two days. I'm encouraged. I think it's something that's minor."

In the meantime, Bush is scheduled to leave New Orleans midweek for a photo shoot in Los Angeles for rookie trading cards, then he will return Monday to work in the Saints' offseason training activity and continue to receive treatment on the hamstring. Bush said Monday he'd never had a hamstring injury.

And barring a last-minute reprieve from the league, the next time Bush takes the field for the June 2-4 minicamp he could be wearing No. 25, if he can secure it from veteran running back Fred McAfee.

Ornstein said Monday he thought the league would deny Bush's request to wear No. 5 this season but that the rule would likely be modified for next season. If that's the case, Bush could then return to wearing No. 5.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday that there still was a possibility the number rule could be changed by a vote of owners at a meeting this month in Denver. The competition committee will issue its report on the matter to owners at the meeting. It would take a two-thirds vote of the league's 32 owners to change the rule.


8)

My Guardian Angel wears a hard hat.

TallySaint

http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index...0477287110.xml

TallySaint

Count me as one who doesn't really care what number Bush wears.

But if he had a big year in, say #25, would he go back to #5 if allowed? Think of the jersey sales, not only this year, but next as well.



8)

pakowitz

guess i wont be buyin my bush jersey till next year...

LivnaLieTimay

I plan on buying a white jersey this year then holding off for a year on the black one to see if he changes his number. I think it'd be sweet to have a #25 and a #5 Reggie jersey.