Michael Bush
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Raiders rookie running back Bush won't play this season
By Steve Corkran
Bay Area News Group
Article Launched: 11/22/2007 01:43:09 AM PST
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Rookie running back Michael Bush spent the past three weeks practicing with his teammates for the first time. Wednesday, he was banished to another part of the Raiders' training facility reserved for those deemed unfit to play.
Two fields away, running backs LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes chatted before practice hit full stride. It's likely they weren't talking about long-term housing plans in the Bay Area.
The longer the season goes, the stranger things get concerning Oakland's running-backs situation.
Bush's first NFL season officially ended Wednesday without a carry, and without the Raiders taking a chance on their fourth-round draft pick.
Bush spent the first six weeks of the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list, ineligible to participate in practice. He spent that time strengthening the right leg he broke during the first game of his final college season.
Bush received a ray of hope when the Raiders welcomed him to practice with his teammates three weeks ago. However, the window for activating Bush to the 53-man roster closed Wednesday.
Therefore, Bush is ineligible to participate in full-squad practices and Oakland's remaining six games.
"I talked to him about today he's competing to be the starting running back next year, and he should go about every day that way," Coach Lane Kiffin said. "The way he works in the weight room, the way he pays attention in the meetings and how serious he prepares."
Bush was unavailable for comment. He has said that he is healthy enough to play but understands the logjam of backs behind starter Justin Fargas.
Kiffin questioned Bush's approach early on and, at times, through training camp. He said he noticed "Michael took a more serious approach" once the season started.
At least Bush knows where he stands. Jordan has gone from the league's second-leading rusher to an almost forgotten man in a span of six weeks. Rhodes arrived as a high-profile free-agent signee during the off-season but has received only 12 carries in six games.
"I probably wouldn't have come here if I (knew I) wouldn't play," Rhodes said. "So, I know there are a lot of teams that I'd be starting for right now."
Therein lies part of the problem, Kiffin said. Making room for Bush would have entailed releasing a player, most likely Jordan or Rhodes. Any team could claim the released player for pennies on the dollar the rest of the season.
"Like the team we're facing Sunday?" Kiffin asked, referring to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chiefs rookie Kolby Smith is expected to make his first NFL start. Larry Johnson is sidelined by a foot injury, and primary backup Priest Holmes announced his retirement Wednesday.
Coincidentally, Smith backed up Bush at Louisville and was drafted in the fifth round in April. His patience paid off. Rhodes is taking a similar approach.
"That's the hardest part," Rhodes said, "knowing that I do have to be patient, and know that, over the course of a couple of years, I have put a good product on the field; and not really understanding why I can't get a shot here."
The line forms over there, behind Jordan and Bush.
By Steve Corkran
Bay Area News Group
Article Launched: 11/22/2007 01:43:09 AM PST
Related Stories
Nov 22:
Fearing paralysis, Holmes retiresKawakami: Sour smell reaches 49ers' coachNolan has little response to DeBartolo York's comments
Rookie running back Michael Bush spent the past three weeks practicing with his teammates for the first time. Wednesday, he was banished to another part of the Raiders' training facility reserved for those deemed unfit to play.
Two fields away, running backs LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes chatted before practice hit full stride. It's likely they weren't talking about long-term housing plans in the Bay Area.
The longer the season goes, the stranger things get concerning Oakland's running-backs situation.
Bush's first NFL season officially ended Wednesday without a carry, and without the Raiders taking a chance on their fourth-round draft pick.
Bush spent the first six weeks of the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list, ineligible to participate in practice. He spent that time strengthening the right leg he broke during the first game of his final college season.
Bush received a ray of hope when the Raiders welcomed him to practice with his teammates three weeks ago. However, the window for activating Bush to the 53-man roster closed Wednesday.
Therefore, Bush is ineligible to participate in full-squad practices and Oakland's remaining six games.
"I talked to him about today he's competing to be the starting running back next year, and he should go about every day that way," Coach Lane Kiffin said. "The way he works in the weight room, the way he pays attention in the meetings and how serious he prepares."
Bush was unavailable for comment. He has said that he is healthy enough to play but understands the logjam of backs behind starter Justin Fargas.
Kiffin questioned Bush's approach early on and, at times, through training camp. He said he noticed "Michael took a more serious approach" once the season started.
At least Bush knows where he stands. Jordan has gone from the league's second-leading rusher to an almost forgotten man in a span of six weeks. Rhodes arrived as a high-profile free-agent signee during the off-season but has received only 12 carries in six games.
"I probably wouldn't have come here if I (knew I) wouldn't play," Rhodes said. "So, I know there are a lot of teams that I'd be starting for right now."
Therein lies part of the problem, Kiffin said. Making room for Bush would have entailed releasing a player, most likely Jordan or Rhodes. Any team could claim the released player for pennies on the dollar the rest of the season.
"Like the team we're facing Sunday?" Kiffin asked, referring to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chiefs rookie Kolby Smith is expected to make his first NFL start. Larry Johnson is sidelined by a foot injury, and primary backup Priest Holmes announced his retirement Wednesday.
Coincidentally, Smith backed up Bush at Louisville and was drafted in the fifth round in April. His patience paid off. Rhodes is taking a similar approach.
"That's the hardest part," Rhodes said, "knowing that I do have to be patient, and know that, over the course of a couple of years, I have put a good product on the field; and not really understanding why I can't get a shot here."
The line forms over there, behind Jordan and Bush.
man im tellin u!!!! ive said this before, and ill say it again... bush was a top 10 pick, aaaaaaaaaaaand a heisman hopeful until he fucked his leg up. it was SORTA of like the gore situation when he got dropped until the 3rd round. HOPEFULLY bush will turn heads and make other teams regret to not draft him!!! i was very very very anxious to watch him play this year but looks like we're gonna have to wait till next year. mcfadden would be a nice pick up but still our line is suspect at most, and the talent mcfadden has would only take a step back instead of foward.
