Untitled Page

Michael Bush News & Rumors

New Bears running back Michael Bush, should be perfect complement to Forte
May 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"It's hard for Raiders running back Darren McFadden to forget the good times he shared with Michael Bush during training camp. In fact, McFadden captured some of those memories of his former backup, but Bush wasn't aware of it at the time. McFadden recalled one particular instance when the roommates returned from a long practice, plopped down and started to discuss nothing in particular. "Within about two minutes, he was out of it,'' McFadden said. "I mean right in the middle of our conversation. I was like, 'Hey bro, you don't hear nothing?' And then I just recorded him, snoring and everything.''"
Running back Michael Bush's addition to Bears sparks backlash
March 23
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The signing of running back Michael Bush usually would be a cause for celebration, an obvious opportunity for the Bears to trumpet that their roster is better today than yesterday. Last season, mostly in nine starts, Bush racked up 977 rushing yards and scored eight touchdowns for the Oakland Raiders, filling in admirably when starter Darren McFadden was sidelined with a foot injury. In four NFL seasons, the 2007 fourth-round pick has averaged 4.2 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. Choosing between the Bears and the Bengals, Bush decided to head to Chicago, signing a four-year contract worth up to $14 million. The move, though, didn't sit well with Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte."
Bush fortifies Bears running game
March 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"On their third try the Bears finally may have gotten a running back who will complement Matt Forte. But the Pro Bowl running back initially didn't take it as a compliment Thursday when Michael Bush agreed to terms on a four-year, $14 million contract with half the amount guaranteed. "There are only so many times a man who has done everything he has been asked to do can be disrespected!" Forte tweeted. "Guess the GOOD GUYS do finish last.""
Bears sign free agent running back Michael Bush
March 22
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Chicago Bears have invested good money in a No. 2 running back for the third consecutive year, and the signing Thursday of free agent Michael Bush to a four-year contract could prove to be quality insurance if a contract agreement can't be reached with Matt Forte. Bush's deal is worth $14 million, with $7 million guaranteed. Bush becomes the third significant piece added to the Bears' offense in a little more than a week. The former Oakland Raiders running back, who visited Halas Hall this month, was arguably the top player at his position available in free agency."
To tag or not to tag Bush
February 28
Oakland Tribune
 
"Teams have had a week to use the franchise tag on one of their own players. As of now, none has opted to go that route. The Raiders have until Monday to decide whether to use the tag on running back Michael Bush, safety Tyvon Branch or one of their other free-agents-to-be. It's worth noting that the Raiders wasted little time in using the franchise tag on Charles Woodson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Richard Seymour and Kamerion Wimbley in recent years. That the Raiders haven't used the tag on Bush by now makes it more likely that they won't use it on any of their players this season."
Michael Bush has been big against Kansas City Chiefs
December 21
Oakland Tribune
 
"When the rivalry was in its heyday in the 1970s, there was Raiders running back Marv Hubbard, snorting like a bull and attacking anything wearing a red uniform, letting everyone know just how much he hated the Chiefs and having some of his biggest games. Michael Bush, like Hubbard, is a big back whose philosophy is to give more than he takes. Bush has had some of his best games against Kansas City, which could be useful considering the Raiders will play at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday with the hope of keeping their playoff hopes alive. But if Bush is seeing red at the thought of the Chiefs, he keeps it well hidden. "I think I have been doing well against a lot of AFC teams, so this is"
Raiders' Michael Bush has chops to be a lead back
November 30
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Raiders running back Michael Bush isn't one to shy away from contact - witness the big hit from Bears linebacker Lance Briggs that he shrugged off Sunday - or from a heavy workload. After carrying the ball 30 times against both San Diego and Minnesota, Bush was on the field for 68 of the 71 snaps on offense against Chicago. "It was a very important game," he said of the 25-20 win, which kept the Raiders in sole possession of first place in the AFC West at 7-4 before games at Miami and Green Bay. "To me it was like playoff football.""
Michael Bush is in line for a hefty contract after strong showing in 2011
November 20
Oakland Tribune
 
"The huge payday Michael Bush anticipated twice within the past four-plus years never materialized. But finally it's coming, one way or the other. How much Bush receives from the Raiders or another NFL team remains to be seen. Yet, everyone agrees that the amount is going up with each game, as Bush asserts himself as a legitimate starting running back. "There's no question, when he's healthy he can be an every-down back," said Dave Razzano, an NFL scout for more than two decades. "If he ends on a real high note, there could be a pretty good market for him because most people had him rated pretty good coming out (of college)." Bush is slated to start Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in"
Raiders might need more magic from Michael Bush
November 15
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Vittorio Tafur
"The way Michael Bush played last week, the Raiders don't need to rush running back Darren McFadden's rehab. Which is a good thing because ... McFadden and Jacoby Ford were not at practice Monday, and seem like big longshots to come back from their sprained foot injuries in time to play Sunday in Minnesota. McFadden, who has been out three weeks, at least had his protective walking boot off at some point Monday, Raiders coach Hue Jackson said."
Michael Bush gains 242 total yards
November 11
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Hue Jackson was imploring his Raiders team at halftime Thursday night to "finish" and not repeat last week's performance against the Broncos, where a 17-7 lead turned into a 38-24 loss. Running back Michael Bush had some words for Jackson on the way back to the field: "Feed the stud," he said. Bush ran a career-high 30 times for 157 yards and a touchdown, and also had three catches for 85 yards. His 242 yards from scrimmage are the most by a Raider since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger and the fourth-highest total in Raiders team history. He passed Bo Jackson's 1987 total of 235 yards from scrimmage against the Seattle Seahawks. Bush, a free agent after the season who was playing for the injured"
Michael Bush again to get call for Raiders
November 5
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Raiders running back Darren McFadden, as expected, is out for Sunday's game against the Broncos, and Denver coach John Fox said that's fine, but he's plenty worried about Michael Bush. "No doubt. You know when you play the Raiders, you're going to play a physical, up-front team that's going to pound it at you running the ball," Fox said. "That's why they're second in the league in rushing." Bush has spent his four years in the league spelling his good friend McFadden and will go do so again Sunday, as McFadden is still trying to put his full weight on his sprained foot. Last game, Bush came in for an injured McFadden and had an uneven game - he ran for 99 yards but failed to score on four"
Michael Bush might be restricted free agent
July 6
ESPN.com
 
"There has been a lot of confusion on whether Oakland running back Michael Bush will be an unrestricted or a restricted free agent if players with four years of service will be unrestricted free agents once the lockout ends. It has been reported that Bush will be unrestricted. However, Fox Sports reported late last week that Bush will be a restricted free agent. He was drafted in 2007, but he missed his first reason because he was on the non football injury list. He has played three NFL seasons."
Michael Bush picks bad time for DUI charge
February 14
AOL Fanhouse
 
"There's never a good time for an NFL player to be arrested, but Raiders running back Michael Bush's timing couldn't have been much worse. Bush was arrested on Saturday morning at 4:30 a.m. and charged with driving under the influence. Bush, a former University of Louisville star, was in Clark County, Ind., at the time, just across the river from his hometown of Louisville. The arrest is ill-timed as Bush, a fourth-year pro, is expected to be granted free agency whenever the NFL's owners and players reach a new collective bargaining agreement. Bush is coming off of a third consecutive solid season for the Raiders -- he rushed for a career-high 655 yards and eight touchdowns in 2010."
Report: Michael Bush arrested on DUI
February 13
Oakland Tribune
 
"Raiders running back Michael Bush was arrested Saturday for suspicion of driving while intoxicated in southern Indiana, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal. Bush, 26, was pulled over for a traffic violation in Jeffersonville, Ind., at 3:47 a.m., and Clark County police Maj. Chuck Adams told the Courier-Journal that Bush was booked into the Clark County jail and released on his own recognizance at 1 p.m. Raiders senior executive John Herrera declined to comment. Bush rushed for a career-high 655 yards on 158 carries, scored eight touchdowns, and teamed with Darren McFadden to help give the Raiders the NFL's second-ranked running game this past season."
Bush has to be smiling
February 1
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"While most NFL players are nervous about the pending lockout, Raiders running back Michael Bush has to be feeling pretty good about his situation. Bush patiently backed up and filled in for Darren McFadden, finishing with 655 yards rushing, 194 receiving and eight touchdowns. As a four-year player (yes, the injured season counts), he is set to hit restricted free agency whenever the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is reached. The Raiders have a history of paying (cough, cough, overpaying) players they like, and Bush ... they like very much. First, owner Al Davis praised Bush a couple of times at his epic news conference, just after introducing Hue Jackson as coach and before putting"
Raiders' backup Michael Bush comes up big
January 3
San Francisco Chronicle
 
""Patience is important," Raiders running back Michael Bush said after Sunday's 31-10 win. He would know, as Sunday's start in place of the injured Darren McFadden was only his third this season and the 10th of his three-year career. Bush doesn't run with patience mind you, as the 6-foot-1, 245-pound back ran over and around Chiefs defenders for 137 yards and a touchdown. He also had 34 yards receiving and a nice block on a Jason Campbell 21-yard run. The ever-humble Bush credited his offensive line. And then he said, "I am sure if I went down, Rock Cartwright or Michael Bennett would come in and do the same thing." Probably not. Bush played well in place of McFadden before, running for 177"
Michael Bush to replace injured McFadden
October 9
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"As expected, Raiders running back Darren McFadden was ruled out Friday for Sunday's game against San Diego because of a hamstring pull. Although it looks as if he's leaving big shoes to fill - McFadden was second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 554 - remember this: Those shoes were probably Michael Bush's in the first place. Bush was on his way to beating out McFadden for the starting job when he broke his thumb in a preseason game Aug. 28. In two games since returning, Bush has 10 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown backing up McFadden. McFadden's "stats are very strong," coach Tom Cable said. "We've got to find a way to get that same production, but I think Michael's ready to"
Michael Bush feeling healthier, which is welcome news at running back spot
October 5
Oakland Tribune
 
"Michael Bush said Monday that he is ready for a full workload now that he knows his broken left thumb has healed. That's welcome news to Raiders coach Tom Cable, for he is running out of healthy bodies at running back after injuries to Darren McFadden and Michael Bennett. McFadden and Bennett suffered hamstring injuries against the Houston Texans on Sunday in a 31-24 loss. Neither player was able to finish the game. Their status for this Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers is up in the air. McFadden said, "I'm feeling all right," as he exited the locker room Monday. A short time later, Bush proclaimed himself ready to roll on the heels of a seven-carry effort against the Texans."
Bush inactive for Raiders' opener vs. Titans
September 12
NFL.com
 
"The Raiders decided to hold RB Michael Bush out of Sunday's season opener against the Titans because of a broken thumb he suffered during the preseason. That means Darren McFadden will be Oakland's No. 1 back in the game, a possibility that he acknowledged earlier in the week. Also on the Raiders' inactive list: Kyle Boller (No. 3 QB), CB Walter McFadden, LB Travis Goethel, G/T Bruce Campbell, WR Chaz Schilens, WR Nick Miller, DT Desmond Bryant."
Michael Bush might play in season opener
September 9
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Raiders coach Tom Cable may have been posturing about running back Michael Bush on Wednesday, but what he said still topped the list on a day full of developments. Bush, with his surgically-repaired left thumb bandaged, did many of the drills at practice and Cable said there is "a real chance" that Bush will play in the season opener Sunday. Cable also announced that Trevor Scott has moved from outside linebacker and will start in place of Matt Shaughnessy at right defensive end. Quentin Groves takes over at weak side linebacker in a couple of moves that Cable said "puts the 11 best players on the field." Also, Yamon Figurs will return both kickoffs and punts at Tennessee, beating out"
Running back Michael Bush returns to practice a week after surgery on left thumb
September 7
Oakland Tribune
 
"Running back Michael Bush participated in practice Monday, a week after surgery on his broken left thumb. Bush suffered a Bennett fracture against the 49ers on Aug. 28. As a result, he is wearing a brace that wraps around his wrist and keeps his thumb from moving. At one point, Bush ran a pass route and caught the ball with both hands. That bodes well for his playing against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Oakland's regular-season opener. "He did some individual work, caught the ball, ran some routes, carried it a little bit," coach Tom Cable said. "Limited." It's uncertain whether Bush will be healthy enough to play Sunday. His status will be updated Wednesday. Rookie linebacker Travis"
'Wise, old' backup back is ready to step in
September 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Running back Michael Bush had screws inserted into his left thumb as part of a surgery Monday, which could prevent him from making it back onto the field for the season opener in Tennessee on Sept. 12. The Raiders aren't saying, but they are planning to keep both backup running backs, Michael Bennett and Rock Cartwright, when they cut the roster to 53 players today. Darren McFadden, who missed two preseason games with a tight hamstring, got the night off and Bennett the start in Thursday's 27-24 win over Seattle. He carried 25 times for 92 yards, finishing the preseason with 54 carries for 236 yards. Bennett wishes Bush a speedy recovery and thinks the injury underscored Oakland's need"
Michael Bush says he has Bennett fracture of thumb
September 3
Oakland Tribune
 
"Running back Michael Bush said the left thumb injury he suffered is a Bennett fracture. That's not good news as far as the Raiders are concerned. A Bennett fracture occurs in the area of the base of the first metacarpal, where the thumb connects to the wrist, and affects the ability to grip. According to Dr. Michael Schwartz, a player returning from a Bennett fracture in four to six weeks would be a "best-case scenario." Schwartz spoke without knowing the specifics of Bush's injury. Schwartz is a New York-based orthopedic surgeon who is the team doctor for Hofstra University and also worked with the New Jersey Dragons of the Arena Football League and the New York Islanders of the NHL."
Expect Bush to be out awhile
September 3
Oakland Tribune
 
"Based on what information is available regarding the fractured thumb of running back Michael Bush, it's highly unlikely he'd be ready to play in the opener and could miss up to a quarter of the season or more. Bush broke his thumb on his last carry when 49ers safety Michael Lewis hit him with his helmet, with coach Tom Cable saying it was fractured following the game and saying Monday "he'll need a procedure on it, and whether that keeps him out or not remains to be seen." On his Twitter account, Bush said it was a "Bennett fracture" and even showed pictures of himself before surgery. Cable has since declined to discuss the injury and wouldn't confirm the surgery had taken place. According"
Michael Bush fractures thumb
August 29
Oakland Tribune
 
"It turns out Jason Campbell wasn't the only injury of concern in Saturday night's 28-24 loss to the 49ers at the Coliseum. Coach Tom Cable said Michael Bush sustained a thumb fracture and his status would not be determined until he saw a hand specialist Sunday. As he was getting dressed, Bush needed teammate Michael Bennett to tie his shoes. He echoed Cable's statements that he didn't know if or how long he'd be out and he would know more Sunday."
Raiders roomies Bush, McFadden don't mind sharing
August 28
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Good roommates respect each other's belongings and personal space, don't get too loud or rowdy, pick up after themselves and learn to share such things as the remote control and the carton of orange juice in the fridge. Great roommates, like Raiders running backs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden, split carries. McFadden returns from a hamstring injury tonight against the 49ers, and the plan for this season thus far is for both the more physical Bush and quicker McFadden to keep defenses on their toes. "Neither one of us cares who starts," McFadden said. "As long as we help the team and win." The two friends broke camp Thursday after a month living together and did not get tired of each"
Bush powers running game
December 21
Sacramento Bee
 
"Almost lost in the hullabaloo that was JaMarcus Russell making like Lazarus with his game-winning drive were the game-changing contributions of Michael Bush. With Justin Fargas' knee dinged up and Darren McFadden losing a fumble, it was Bush who had the hot hand, rushing for a game-high 133 yards on 18 carries, including an untouched 23-yard touchdown run and a 40-yard scamper up the middle. "I was shocked," Bush said of his unscathed touchdown run. "I saw the two guys and somebody was blocking one and somebody else on the second level, but I was surprised on (my) first run (I) bust a touchdown. That is something you do on a game, a video game. That was fun." The Raiders ran the ball 13"
Given a chance, Bush emerges as Raiders' top option
December 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell wasn't the only benched starter asked to save the day. Former starting running back Michael Bush got his first offensive snaps since Dec. 6, and made some wonder what the holdup has been. Bush ran 18 times for 133 yards, with a 23-yard touchdown run untouched on his first carry of Sunday's 20-19 victory over the Broncos. The team's past three 100-yard rushing games belong to Bush, who had four carries for 9 yards over the last three weeks, since losing a fumble in the second half against Cincinnati. "It was hard waiting because you think you should be out there playing and contributing," said Bush, who averaged 5.0 yards in his 103 carries and regained"
Running back Michael Bush's big game puts him back in favor
December 21
Contra Costa Times
 
"Raiders running back Michael Bush had become the odd-man out in a three-headed rushing attack that also features Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden. On Sunday, Bush became the go-to guy once again. Bush made the most of his latest opportunity by scoring the Raiders' first touchdown on a 23-yard run and producing a team-high 133 yards on 18 carries (a 7.4-yard average) in a 20-19 victory over the Denver Broncos. "It was hard waiting, because you think you should be out there playing and contributing as well," Bush said after being called upon to replace Fargas. The starter injured his knee in the early going. "Fargas went down a little bit and needed someone else to pick up his slack," Bush"
3-back attack hasn't helped
December 20
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Raiders running back Darren McFadden is a home run-hitting playmaker, geared to accelerate for monster gains. This season, he has no rushes for more than 15 yards. Starting running back Justin Fargas is a between-the-20s thrasher, who had only seven touchdowns in his first six seasons. This season, he's the red-zone back and goal-line runner. Former starting running back Michael Bush is a pounder who gets better as the games gets longer. He barely gets off the bench anymore. Confused? So are the Raiders, who lost their identity as a run-first offense while searching for a vertical passing game. "We all just accept our role, whatever it is, and we give our best effort when we get our"
Raiders' Bush gets chance to be 'The Man' at running back
October 8
Oakland Tribune
 
"Michael Bush just wants a shot. No promises. No guarantees. Just a chance. Since joining the Raiders two-plus seasons ago after being selected in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL draft, Bush has waited as LaMont Jordan, Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden received their opportunity. Now Bush gets to show if he is worthy of being an every-down running back in the NFL. "You want to be that man," Bush said. Bush became that man by virtue of a knee injury sustained by McFadden on Sunday against the Houston Texans. Bush is expected to start this Sunday against the New York Giants. Being an every-down back is something Bush was accustomed to until he reached the NFL. He played six positions at"
Raiders Bush ready to audition for starting RB job
August 29
Sacramento Bee
 
"Michael Bush smiled. The "Smash" part of the Raiders' three-headed Smash, Dash (Justin Fargas) and Flash (Darren McFadden) running attack had been reminded by reporters that it was his week to start in the backfield. Against the New Orleans Saints at home. In that all-important third exhibition game today. To show he deserves the bulk of the workload. "Yeah, it's nice to get out there and get to work for something," Bush said. "Like I say, it's preseason, and we're all trying to be on the same page, as far as getting a feel with the O-line and stuff like that, and getting the run game back to where it was last year." So there's no additional pressure knowing it's your turn, after Fargas"
The Raiders' three-headed running attack
August 28
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Raiders ended their 31-day training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott, site of the fiercest running back competition no one bothered to notice. Blame the inattention on Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush for being anything but fierce toward each other. McFadden hangs with Bush, who chills with Fargas, who mentors McFadden, and so on. "They have a good time with it because they are so close," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "They all want to be the guy but they push each other and pull for each other in their own way.""
Bush an extra blessing in backfield
August 8
Contra Costa Times
 
"The last time anyone saw Raiders running back Michael Bush in a game, he was running over, past and around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the tune of 177 yards in Oakland's regular-season finale last season. It's mind-boggling to imagine what Bush could have done had he not been the third back off the sideline that game. That's the daunting chore facing coach Tom Cable as he tries to figure out a way to use Bush in a backfield that also features Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas. "Each of them kind of has their own little deal," Cable said. "Michael has proven that he can get going right away when he gets in a game . "... We have three starters. The important thing is, getting them each in a"
Bush's huge day makes statement for Raiders
December 29
Sacramento Bee
 
"Since starting fullback Justin Griffith was lost for the season Oct. 26, Michael Bush has been adamant - he's not a fullback. Nevertheless, Bush's size (6-foot-1, 245 pounds) and two players ahead of him at tailback meant Bush would eventually be asked to become a blocking back. When injuries sidelined Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden on Sunday, Bush got his wish to be the primary tailback. The result was 177 rushing yards, the seventh-highest total in team history, and two touchdowns as the Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-24 at Raymond James Stadium. His rushing yards, carries (27) and touchdowns were all career-highs. Bush's total was also a season high for the Raiders,"