THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

METAIRIE, La. -- Reggie Bush could miss his third straight pre-season game on Thursday night when the Saints host Miami, while fellow running back Pierre Thomas is expected to sit out for the second time in as many games.

Bush, who hasn't played since straining his right calf during joint practices with the Houston Texans during training camp, has only three carries for five yards during the entire pre-season -- all in the exhibition opener Aug. 14.

Bush said Tuesday that he has felt healthy enough to play throughout camp, but did not feel the need to risk injury in exhibition games. He added that he would like to play against Miami, but did not believe it was vital to get him ready for the regular season opener against Detroit in the Louisiana Superdome on Sept. 13.

"I would like to get some live snaps, just to get back into the flow of football," Bush said. "All in all, I'll be fine. Whether I get ... snaps or not, I'll be ready to go next week."

Coach Sean Payton also hedged when asked about playing Bush against the Dolphins.

"I don't know. I'm hopeful and yet I want to be smart about it," Payton said. "It's progressing well with the rehab and everything, and what's most important is the opening game, yet I'd like to get him some work if it's possible."

Payton was more doubtful about Thomas, who sprained his right knee when the Saints played at Houston on Aug. 22.

"I don't think we're going to be able to play Pierre in this game," Payton said.

Bush and Thomas did not practise on Tuesday, the last full workout before the Saints play the Dolphins. Others who missed practice included WR Adrian Arrington (hamstring), LT Jammal Brown (hernia), S Chip Vaughn (left knee) and S Usama Young (right shoulder).