Crooked Pitch

Reggie Bush has seen his role increase over the past week, but that extra work may have taken a toll on his surgically repaired knee. According to Brett Martel of the Associated Press, the running back will not join the team in Tampa — increasing the fantasy value of Pierre Thomas this Sunday.

Running back Reggie Bush and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis are not traveling with the New Orleans Saints for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.

Bush missed practice this week with swelling in his left knee, the same knee on which he had surgery last December to repair cartilage. Bush is coming off one of his best games of the season in St. Louis last Sunday, when he gained 98 yards and scored two touchdowns on six rushes and a pair of receptions.