What happens to Reggie when Mike Bell returns?
I posted this topic because I don't believe it's been addressed yet. It's not a pro/anti Reggie Bush thread (although some are trying to make it that way).
It's an objective look at how the return of our 2 traditional backs (Bell and PT) will effect our hybrid back (Reggie).
I think you answered your own question right there. Reggie is not a traditional back and isn't used that way. I haven't broken down all the plays he's in... but it appears that when he's in the Saints are in passing formations, and Drew can audible into a run for Reggie if the defense shows a formation. Mike and Pierre line up in a lot of I-formations -- I haven't seen Reggie in that formation this year (I may have missed it).
To me, this looks like Mike and Pierre play the "same position" and Reggie plays something different. So Mike won't take carries away from Reggie - Mike instead will spell Pierre. It also looks apparent that Pierre is no more effective at moving the pile than Reggie, so Mike might be used in those situations. Look at the past 2 games -- Reggie is getting most of his touches in the first half - when the passing game is used more... and he's averaging over 5 yards per carry the last 2 games. Pierre is used in the second half as the defense wears down. Why should this change? Both backs right now are extremely effective running the ball right now.
Reggie will continue to get 5-10 carries, and 5-10 passes per game for 10-15 touches per game. What will limit Reggie's carries are the game situations that determine if we should be passing more or traditionally running more.
As far as the offseason - we should leave that to the offseason. I believe Reggie restructured his contract last year to take more money as a bonus, so it may be more cap friendly to keep him on the roster this year.
To be honest, I'd prefer to not have a back with a single 100 yard game this year -- I'd rather see an 80 yard per game rusher and 50 yard per game rusher and 30 yard per game rusher every game. This will keep our backs healthy into the post-season.