Reggie Bush Injury Will Cost Him a Chance at Huge Week 3 Performance

The Detroit Lions will head to the nation's capital this weekend to take on the Washington Redskins, and Reggie Bush's knee injury will cost him a monster game in Week 3. 

The team's official Twitter account reported on Friday that Bush returned to practice.

It's an encouraging sign to see the playmaker back on the practice field, but that doesn't indicate whether or not he will play on Sunday. Even if he does play, the Lions are likely to be cautious with him.

Fantasy owners don't know what to do with the running back, but he would've been an obvious candidate to have a huge game this week. 

In his first season with the Lions, Bush has gotten off to a fast start. The 28-year-old ran for 90 yards on 21 carries and caught four passes for 101 yards and a score in the opener. Last week he added 69 total yards on 13 touches.

With seven receptions for 145 yards on the season, Bush trails only Calvin Johnson for the most receiving yards on the team.

Bush has already suffered thumb, groin and knee injuries this season. He has played through the injuries, but his knee problem should handled carefully.

Detroit can afford to take it slow with Bush. Washington's defense has been the worst in the NFL, and the Lions have a capable backup.

Washington has allowed 511.5 total yards and 201 rushing yards per game this season, both of which are nearly 30 yards more than the team directly above it. The Redskins have allowed three rushing touchdowns, which also is tied for the most in the league.

How bad is Washington's run defense? Green Bay had gone 44 regular-season games—dating back to 2010—since a back had run for more than 100 yards in a game. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay's starting running back, left the game with a concussion. James Starks came in and dominated.

Starks ran for 132 yards and a touchdown on only 20 carries, and he added 36 receiving yards. 

Green Bay did something that no team had ever done before, according to Paul Imig of FOX Sports Wisconsin.

Matthew Stafford will be looking to hit Johnson and Nate Burleson all day. Joique Bell is a capable replacement for Bush, so Detroit doesn't have to force Bush into the lineup. Bell has 164 total yards and two touchdowns this season.

Bell's presence gives the Lions a multi-purpose back who can hurt Washington. Detroit should be able to move the ball at will this weekend, and Stafford can spread the ball around.

Bush has been an explosive player this year, but the Lions need to use him wisely to keep him healthy. His versatility makes him dangerous when he is on the field, but his knee injury will limit his playing time and keep him from having a monster game in Week 3.

*All stats are courtesy of NFL.com