Reggie Bush Injury: Why The New Orleans Saints Won't Miss Star Back Too Much

Reggie Bush's injury is being reported as a fracture in his leg, and that it will cost the swift running back four to six weeks if not more.

After seeing New Orleans Saints' medical trainers help Bush off the field, it looked at first as if the former USC Trojan had his season stripped away from him. Bush muffed a punt and in the scramble to retrieve it a San Francisco 49er defender, landed on his leg pinning it to the ground awkwardly.

If it's true that Reggie won't miss significant time and that it isn't a season-ending injury, the Saints will be just fine.

Here's why.

Look at the schedule!

After surviving two tough tests to open the season, the Saints will take on a third this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons at home. But after that they have four very winnable games against the Carolina Panthers (home), Arizona Cardinals (road), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (road), and the Cleveland Browns (home).

By the time they face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 it's possible that Bush could be back in the lineup, although it's unlikely.

A more conservative estimate would be after the Saints' bye week, which is in Week 10. There's no question the Saints have a surprisingly easy early schedule.

Lance Moore and Pierre Thomas

Without Bush to return punts anymore, New Orleans will turn to Moore to take over duties. Moore has returned punts in the past over Bush because of his sure-handed ability. The explosiveness that Bush brought to the table will be greatly missed, but in the backfield the Saints will be fine.

Thomas was already the team's lead back on running plays, and now he may be asked to be even more involved in the passing game. He caught eight balls against San Francisco, and is one of the better receiving half backs in the league.

It has been an early struggle for Thomas running the ball in the first two games, but that has more to do with the defenses the Saints have been up against than anything.

Drew Brees

When you have a quarterback as talented as Brees is it helps lessen the blow of injuries to skilled players. During New England's mini-dynasty, Tom Brady continuously lost key players on the offensive side of the ball to injuries, but he found ways to get the ball into the hands of backups.

Brees is at the same level as Brady in terms of ability. He also has a slew of talented receivers, and a great offensive head coach in Sean Payton at his disposal.

Will the Saints miss Bush's game-breaking speed, and ability to make something out of nothing?

Absolutely.

Can the Saints still win without Bush?

Absolutely.

Even without Bush, New Orleans still has Thomas, Jeremy Shockey, Marques Colston, and most importantly, Drew Brees behind center. Bush will be missed when it's all said and done, just not too much.