The struggling New Orleans Saints defense now has no choice but to endure another setback and pin its hopes for a resurgence on the next man up philosophy now that top free agent acquisition Jairus Byrd is lost for the season.
Byrd tore his meniscus during Thursday's practice. The team placed Byrd on the season-ending injured reserve list after Byrd underwent surgery on Friday morning with Dr. James Andrews. Byrd is responsible for the Saints' lone turnover of the season: a forced fumble in Week 1.
"Rafeal Bush is the guy who will step into that role in regards to safety," Payton said. "From a learning standpoint, it's something he's been training at already, so it's not like he's changing a position."
Bush signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2010 as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina State. After a brief stint with the Denver Broncos, he arrived in New Orleans in 2012.
Byrd's absence and Bush's ascendance into the starting lineup likely won't affect the Saints' plans for its base defense or nickel package, according to Payton, but he says it potentially could affect the third dime personnel, when the Black and Gold relies on three defensive backs on the field.
"With our secondary being as multiple as it is, we've got guys in different spots playing a lot," defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said. "We've got guys like Rafael Bush who is a fantastic player, so we're going to be just fine."
The Saints roster will likely stay at 52 with 6 inactives come kickoff against the Tampa Bucs on Sunday, instead of a 53-man count with 7 inactives.
