Bush will have to rehab again following setback
- Updated: November 1, 2015
Reggie Bush has had awful injury luck since leaving #USC for the NFL. How he got hurt just now, after a punt return. https://t.co/moX3HKzZnF
— Max Meyer (@TheMaxMeyer) November 1, 2015
From staff and wire reports
ST. LOUIS – The NFL’s Next Gen Stats recorded 30-year-old Reggie Bush as running one of the fastest plays in the league so far this season. However, on Sunday at St. Louis’ relatively decrepit 20-year-old domed stadium, a freak injury may have ended the career of the ten-year veteran from Helix High.
Bush, currently a running back for the San Francisco 49ers, slipped and fell on a track of uncovered concrete during a penalized punt return in the first half at the Edward Jones Dome against the host Rams. He was noticeably in discomfort as was carted from the field.
It was the second-straight week that a player had slipped on the dangerous area just in front of the stands. Bush would not return to the game.
Early reports have Bush likely out for the remainder of the season, however, one report said that the veteran back from Spring Valley could return in as little as four weeks if tests turn up negative.
Bush said he won’t know until an MRI exam Monday what damage his left knee sustained in the 49ers’ 27-6 loss to the Rams, though it’s possible he tore the anterior cruciate ligament.
“I’m not sure what it is,” Bush said while on crutches in the locker room. “Once we get the pictures, I’ll have a definite answer for you guys.”
Bush is believed to have suffered an ACL tear on the awkward spill. He’ll have an MRI to confirm that diagnosis, but chances are Bush won’t be back on a football field this year.
Reggie Bush (23) is carted off the field after being injured during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. / Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Bush was carted off the field after slipping on the concrete surface behind the 49ers bench and skidding into the stadium wall. The play came on a punt return with 5:32 left in the first quarter, on his only touch of the game.
“I’m not angry that it happened,” Bush said. “It is what it is. Everybody else plays on (the surface).”
Asked if he’s concerned it could be an ACL tear, Bush responded: “Not sure. We’ll find out tomorrow. I’m not a doctor, and I’m not going to try to be one right now. We’ll figure out tomorrow after we get some pictures on it.”
Bush missed three games earlier this season because of a left-calf strain. He was signed in free agency to complement starting running back Carlos Hyde, who has a stress fracture in his left foot and did not suit up Sunday for the first time this season.
“I’ve come back from other injuries before, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be OK to come back,” Bush said. “It’s a long ways away. I’m not thinking about that right now.
“It’s tough anytime you get injured. It’s been a pretty up-and-down year for me. Trying to stay healthy has been an issue this season.”
Bush is oft-criticized for his lack of superstar-style production during his highly-touted career, however, the diminutive back crossed the 9000-yards from scrimmage mark for his career last week and won a Super Bowl with New Orleans in 2009.
Bush also slipped during warm-ups in Week 14 of the 2013 season, forcing him to miss that game.
Bush has missed over 25 games in his career due to injury, including PCL, MCL and meniscus injuries in 2007 and 2008. He also missed eight games in 2010 as a result of a fractured fibula while recovering his own fumble during a week 2 contest.
He missed five games last season with an ankle sprain.
