Joe’s already told you about the major injuries in the Saints’ secondary. Now all signs are pointing toward Reggie Bush’s latest knee injury severely limiting his action in Tampa on Sunday.

Bush hasn’t practiced all week. And while Saints head coach Sean Payton seems confident Bush will suit up Sunday, he’s on the record saying Bush will not return punts, reports the Times Picayune.

Payton said Bush knows the Saints’ offense well enough that he would be able to play Sunday even without practicing all week. But at the same time,  he doesn’t want to risk any setbacks if he’s not close to 100 percent.

Bush declined to speak to reporters Friday.

Whether or not he is active Sunday,  Payton indicated that Bush might not be available to return punts. That leaves the Saints thin in that department. Their backup punt returners are receiver Lance Moore and cornerback Tracy Porter,  both of whom are sidelined with injuries.

Receiver Devery Henderson,  tailback Pierre Thomas and safety Darren Sharper have been taking reps in practice as punt returners. Henderson and Thomas have never returned a punt in the NFL. Sharper hasn’t returned one since 2004.

Joe’s really not sure if this is such great news for the Bucs. Bush is only averaging 3.8 yards per punt return, dead last in the NFL among players who have returned 20 punts or more. Clifton Smith averages 9.5 yards per return, on 21 punts.

Of course, Bush is much more productive in the offense with 29 catches and averaging five yards per carry.

Joe’s hoping the Saints play it safe and sit him down. The Bucs are due for a break like that.