49ers coach Jim Tomsula: Reggie Bush can be an 'every-down back'
San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Tomsula told reporters at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix that he is pleased with the addition of running back Reggie Bush and sees the veteran as more than just a "gadget guy."
Tomsula said the 30-year-old Bush could carry the load for the 49ers in 2015, even if that isn't his expected role.
"Reggie can be an every-down back; he’s done that in the NFL," Tomsula said. "I don’t know that we’re looking at it that way."
“Reggie's a very good space player. Reggie can, it's well-documented, his third-down, his skill set on third downs. Reggie's a running back. He's not a gadget guy, in my opinion. Reggie Bush is a running back and I'm really excited about Reggie joining the crew."
Bush rushed for 297 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games last season for the Detroit Lions, also catching 40 passes for 253 yards.
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That came after a 2013 campaign during which Bush had his second career 1,000-yard season, finishing with 1,006 yards and four rushing touchdowns in 14 games.
Bush joins running backs Carlos Hyde, who had 333 yards and four touchdowns on 83 carries as a rookie last season, and Kendall Hunter, who missed all of 2014 with a knee injury.
Frank Gore, the 49ers’ all-time leading rusher, signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent after leading San Francisco in rushing in each of the last 10 seasons.
- Phil Watson
