Every week during the season, we’re debating the biggest talking point from the week before about the Detroit Lions.
Lions’ Toss-up, Week 1: Reggie Bush was dinged up after a very productive Sunday, sustaining a dislocated thumb and a pulled groin during his offensive outburst against the Minnesota Vikings. Jim Schwartz said despite that, the team isn’t planning to limit his workload at all. Is that the right or wrong choice?
Chris Burke: I think it’s way too early in the season to be trying to protect guys from injuries. If Bush says he can play through it and the training staff says he can play through it, then Jim Schwartz is right to let him do that. The Lions do have the luxury of Joique Bell as a backup — someone who brings a similar, if less explosive, style to the table. They already used Bell down on the goal line and in short-yardage, so I’d imagine we’ll continue to see him in those between-the-tackles situations
Max DeMara: It’s the right choice, but the Lions should certainly be careful with Bush, especially considering the impact he made right off the bat against Minnesota. Like Chris said, Detroit is lucky to have Joique Bell in the fold, a player who can bring a similar dynamic to the field and spell him, and also played well against the Vikings. The Lions should certainly watch Bush closely, because injury problems have been a talking point in his career. Without Bush on Sunday, Detroit probably doesn’t win. The Lions shouldn’t necessarily limit his workload, but they do need to be mindful of overworking him so early in the year.
Andrew Tomlinson: It is absolutely the right choice to continue to ride Bush as long as physically possible. Based on Week 1, the Lions will go as far as Bush will take them, and while Detroit has many other options, Bush is an unreal playmaker and opens up space that the Lions offense has not seen since Jahvid Best. A dislocated thumb and a pulled groin is not as bad as it sounds. I imagine after a few days off, he’ll probably be back to normal.
