NEW ORLEANS — Running back Reggie Bush and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis did not travel with the New Orleans Saints for today's game against Tampa Bay.

A team spokesman said yesterday that both players had been downgraded on the official injury report from questionable to out with knee injuries.

Both players are expected to be back at practice next week.

Bush missed practice this week with swelling in his left knee, the same knee on which he had surgery last December to repair cartilage. Bush is coming off one of his best games of the season in St. Louis last Sunday, when he gained 98 yards and scored two touchdowns on six rushes and a pair of receptions.

Bush has 484 yards and six touchdowns in combined rushing and receiving this season.

Head coach Sean Payton said earlier in the week that he was hopeful Bush could play against the Buccaneers, but that he was wary of pushing him and causing a setback.

Ellis sprained his right knee in Miami in Week 7 and returned to practice this week on a limited basis. A first-round draft choice in 2008, he is one of New Orleans' primary run-stuffers.

BROWNS

Holmgren interested: Former Seattle and Green Bay coach Mike Holmgren says he would be interested in working for the Cleveland Browns.

Holmgren said on his weekly radio show on Seattle's KJR that he has not yet spoken to Browns owner Randy Lerner, who is looking for a "serious, credible leader" football authority to run his struggling team. Holmgren did not say if he would like to coach again, but indicated he would be welcome the chance to take on a rebuilding project like the 1-8 Browns.

TITANS

Receiver Gage out: Tennessee receiver Justin Gage is out for the Titans' game tomorrow against the Houston Texans with broken bones in his lower back.

Gage has not practiced since breaking the transverse process bones in his back at San Francisco on Nov. 8. Rookie Kenny Britt will make a second consecutive start at Houston. Coach Jeff Fisher also ruled out linebacker Colin Allred because of a hamstring that kept him out of a third straight practice yesterday.