The Detroit Lions expect to have Reggie Bush back in Week 12 against the New England Patriots and for fantasy football owners that is welcome news, as Bush should start over Theo Riddick and Joique Bell for Matthew Stafford and that comes after he missed time with an ankle injury and he is hoping to have a strong finish after missing time this season.
Bush has been one of the most frustrating fantasy players in the league this year and he comes in with just 191 yards rushing this season. Bush was expected to be a top 10 running back in PPR formats, but he has not been even close to that this season. Bush has missed games with injuries and when he has been on the field, he has been nicked up and has not been as effective as last season. Bush is more of a flex pick with the way he has performed this season and he is hoping to be back at full strength for the big matchup with the Patriots.
Riddick and Bell have played well for Bush, but if he is back Bell is the only starting option of the two. Riddick had the game winner against the Dolphins and has shown some nice explosiveness, but he likely is nothing more than an RB3 starter in a deep league if Bush is healthy. Bush has a high upside if he gets into a groove and the Lions sure could use him after losing to the Cardinals last week. Riddick is worth keeping for now in case Bush gets injured again, but expect Bush and Bell to get the bulk of the work.
Bush has not been having a great season overall and in the past three games he has had single digit carries rushing the ball and over his last three games he has just 43 yards. Bush has made receptions in every game he has played this season, but he has not had a standout performance and he has been one of the most frustrating and inconsistent players in fantasy this year. Bush comes in after going for just 25 yards overall on five touches last game, while Riddick and Bell now have the chance to step up for Matthew Stafford.
The Lions have been one of the surprise teams in the league this season and one of the main reasons has been the way that players like Golden Tate, Bell and Riddick have stepped up with Bush and Calvin Johnson dealing with injuries through the season. The Lions have gone 7-3 this season and down the stretch they have some tough games with the Patriots, Bears, Vikings and then the Packers at the end of the season.
