Reggie Bush is healthy and ready for a big role now that he is with the San Francisco 49ers after getting released from the Detroit Lions. Bush has dropped off over the past two seasons thanks to injuries, but he is predicting a lot of success for himself in the coming month. Already hard at work with quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Bush wants the starting running back job and he wants to be a return man.
According to CSNBayArea.com, Bush is in the running to be a return man, something he has not done for three years. He had success while returning punts with the New Orleans Saints, but never saw that role in Detroit and barely in Miami. In 2008 he scored three touchdowns off punts while averaging 7.9 yards per return. That is nowhere near what top return men do in the league, but Bush has confidence he can be productive in the role.
"It was my idea," Bush said via CSN Bay Area. "I told the coaches I wanted to return punts again. And they were excited about it. We're still working at it, still chipping away. And we look forward to being an all-around great special teams."
According to general manager Trent Baalke, Bush and Kaepernick are already forming a bond as the veteran is looking much stronger than he did last season. Right now, Bush's main competition is second-year pro Carlos Hyde as they replace the departed Frank Gore. Baalke likes what he has seen from Bush which means he could get the nod over Hyde. Right now the veteran admits he is just getting to know everyone, especially the quarterback.
"But I'm just getting to know Kaepernick right now," Bush said, via 49ers.com. From what I've seen though, he's been the hardest-working guy on the team. He puts in the extra time. So I like what I see. I've been around a number of quarterbacks now, and his work ethic ranks at the top. That's something that really excites me. Just seeing that from a guy in his position with the pressure on his shoulders, he's doing and saying the right things. I'm excited to play with him."
Injuries could be a factor in who gets the nod. Bush has not exactly been a beacon of health in his career. However, Hyde has yet to be seen at OTAs. According to the Sacramento Bee, he has an undisclosed leg injury and nothing further was said. The longer Hyde sits of the field, the closer Bush gets to the starting job.
The 49ers will have some fun position battles to watch out. They have a lot of depth at the wide receiver spot which means there is a battle going for the top three spots. The same can be said for the defensive front as the 49ers look to bounce back from 2014.