While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter Sunday's game against New Orleans with a healthy roster, the Saints will be well below full strength.
Versatile running back Reggie Bush and starting defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis did not make the trip to Tampa because of knee injuries, and the unbeaten Saints are also hurting in the secondary.
Starting cornerbacks Jabari Greer (groin) and Tracy Porter (knee) have also been declared out for New Orleans, favored by 11 points in the 1 p.m. matchup at Raymond James Stadium.
Fifteen of the last 18 games between these NFC South rivals have been decided by a touchdown or less. Tampa Bay rookie quarterback Josh Freeman will try to keep pace with New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, who directs the NFL's No. 1 offense.
Bush has scored 30 touchdowns in 47 NFL games since entering the league in 2006, and his 242 receptions over that span ranks first among all running backs.
Greer and Porter have combined for 100 tackles and five interceptions for the Saints, who top the NFL with 25 takeaways.
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