The New Orleans Saints placed veteran safety Rafael Bush on season-ending injured reserve, according to the NFL’s transactions wire Tuesday.
The loss of Bush, who reportedly tore a pectoral muscle against Arizona, hurts a safety position that has battled injuries throughout the past two seasons.
With safety Jairus Byrd out of action in the season opener — he will reportedly return in the next couple of weeks — Bush started at safety against the Cardinals, but he was injured on a blindside block during Darren Fells’ 48-yard gain in the second quarter.
Now that Bush is done for the season, the Saints re-signed veteran Kenny Phillips, who was cut last week.