METAIRIE, La. (May 14, 2006) -- Reggie Bush's strained left hamstring limited his involvement in the New Orleans Saints' rookie minicamp for the second consecutive day.
Bush stood on the side and watched as others went through two practices, referring to a list of plays he carried in his hand and riding a stationary bike at times.
The Heisman Trophy winner and second pick in last month's NFL draft felt tightness in the hamstring as he stretched prior to the team's first workout on May 13 and worked in just a few drills in the first practice. He said after the late workout that he hoped to practice May 14, pending approval of the coaching and medical staffs, which never came.
"I think not just me but collectively the coaches and training staff thought, just give it a rest, get it to 100 percent before you come out here," Bush said. "Obviously I'd love to be on the practice field and practicing, so it's frustrating right now. But it's still early, too."
Bush stayed involved mentally by following the play sheet.
"I was still able to follow along and learn the plays," he said. "It didn't feel worse, but it's just not 100 percent. There's no reason to push it and risk any further injury if it's not 100 percent."
Coach Sean Payton said it was important that Bush learn as much as he can even when he's not participating in drills.
"He needs to get up to speed with what we're doing," Payton said.
