Fantasy Football Week 6 Start or Sit: Reggie Bush

By Brad Berreman @bradberreman24 on October 10, 2014

Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush has not had a great start to the season, with 161 yards on 45 carries (3.6 yards per carry) and just one touchdown, but he has salvaged his fantasy value some with 20 receptions for 142 yards. Now an ankle injury from late in last Sunday’s game has his status in doubt, and adds risk for his fantasy owners this week with the Lions taking on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

The Vikings have been generous to opposing running backs over the last four weeks, allowing 133.5 rushing yards per game and six total touchdowns to the position over that span. The absence of linebacker Chad Greenway (hand/ribs) has hampered Minnesota’s defense, and he looks certain to miss his third straight game this week.

Bush missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, so at this point he seems headed for a questionable designation on Friday’s injury report and a game-time decision come Sunday. Even if he is able to suit up, Bush’s ankle issue will surely take away some of his explosiveness and the possibility of an aggravation will linger throughout the game. Add in Joique Bell’s likely return from a concussion this week, and Bush’s workload stands to be limited even in a best-case scenario.

Lions-Vikings is among the early games on Sunday, so Bush’s fantasy owners won’t be hamstrung if he winds up being declared inactive. There is some upside in a favorable matchup if he is able to play, but the risk attached to even penciling Bush into a fantasy lineup this week is too much. With Bell back in action to take red zone work and limit his touches overall, Bush’s official status will not dramatically alter his fantasy outlook and he is clear-cut bench material for his fantasy owners this week.

Brad Berreman is a Columnist at Rant Sports.com. Connect with him on Twitter and Google +.