It seems Deuce and Reggie might not be 100 percent for the Bucs opener on Sept. 7

As promised, Joe is keeping tabs on the New Orleans Saints, opening day’s road opponent. Can you believe that’s only 23 short days away? 

Reggie Bush is struggling to return from the left knee injury (torn posterior ligament)  that sidelined him at the end of last season.  He sat out Thursday’s practice with knee swelling and will not play Saturday, according to the Times-Picayune.

Deuce McCallister will return to the Saints backfield on Saturday in a preseason contest against Houston. Deuce has had two keee surgeries in the past three seasons.  He went down in Week 3 last year.

As Joe mentioned earlier this week, it seems the Bucs might be catching the Saints on the road at the best time.  Their backs are banged up, and a key new piece of the defense, Jonathan Vilma, also is returning from injury and adjusting to a new system.