Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Bush missed the entire week of practice with a sprained ankle and was listed as questionable on the official injury report. Bush sustained the injury in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. He had just six carries for 13 yards in that game.
Reggie Bush injury: Lions RB out vs. Vikings
Bush suffered an ankle injury in Week 5 that will keep him out against the Vikings.
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Bush has struggled all season, and accordingly, the Lions have not been a particularly good running team. They rush for 83.6 yards per game on average, which ranks them No. 28 in the NFL. Bush happens to lead the way with 45 carries for 161 yards and a touchdown. Joique Bell has carried the ball 48 times for 152 yards and a touchdown of his own. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has run in two touchdowns himself.
It’s Bell who will carry the load in Bush’s absence. It seems likely that Bell would have received the bulk of the carries even if Bush, who was a game-time decision, had been active. There’s no way Bush would have been 100 percent a week removed from a sprained ankle, so the Lions have likely been preparing for Bell to take on the primary role throughout the week. Minnesota isn’t great against the run, allowing 121.8 rushing yards per game on average (19th in the league).
After suffering a concussion two weeks ago though, Bell likely won’t shoulder the entire load and the Lions are expected to give Theo Riddick more touches. Through four games, the second-year back has just 22 yards rushing on six carries.
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