Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Reggie Bush had a solid first season with the Detroit Lions in 2013, topping 1,000 rushing yards for the second time in his career while catching 54 passes for 506 yards. A familiar face is taking over as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, as Joe Lombardi was an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints during most of Bush’s time there. So fantasy football owners can expect an offensive system similar to what the Saints deploy, which is good news for all involved.
Positives
Better health has yielded improved production for Bush, as he has topped 200 carries in three consecutive seasons with at least 986 yards on the ground each season (over 1,000 yards twice). Not coincidentally, he has only missed three games since the start of the 2011 season.
After trending downward over the last few years, including his two seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2011-2012), Bush had more than 50 receptions for the first time since 2008 and over 500 receiving yards for the first time since 2006 last year. His role as a pass catcher is not going away in 2014.
Negatives
Bush is now 29 years old, and he has only played all 16 games twice in eight NFL seasons. While his career workload is not particularly troubling (1,190 career carries), his history of leg injuries (left knee, broken right leg, calf) is a lingering concern.
Joique Bell had eight rushing touchdowns, along with 53 catches for 547 yards, last season. After seeing double-digit carries in a game just five times in 2013, Bell’s role looks certain to expand this year and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get more carries than Bush.
Final Verdict
At this point Bush is what he is as a player and a fantasy option, which is to say he’s a notch or two below the best running backs in the league. His value is greatest in PPR leagues, particularly with Bell taking goal line work and in line for a bigger overall role this year, so even leaving out the possibility of a missed game or two Bush has more downside potential than other similarly ranked running backs.
Bye Week: Week 9
Projected Round: Third Round (12-Team Leagues)
Auction Value: $29 (ESPN.com)
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter or connect on Google +.
