CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New Orleans running back Reggie Bush will not travel with the Saints to London following today's loss to Carolina, instead heading to Alabama to have his left injured knee examined.

Bush is expected to see Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., coach Sean Payton said. The Saints believe Bush has injured the meniscus in his left knee and won't be able to play San Diego in Wembley Stadium next week.

"I think our plan is to have him evaluated in Birmingham, right from here, so he won't make the trip," Payton said.

Bush injured his left knee on a punt return late in the first half. He reversed field on his run, which ended when he stepped out of bounds on the Carolina sideline. He seemed to pull up a bit and favor his left leg after that.

Bush missed practice earlier this week with swelling in his left knee, but the Saints said the injury was not serious.

Bush had 55 yards on nine carries, caught one pass for 5 yards, and had a 3.5 average on three punt returns against Carolina.

Payton said the Saints became "one-dimensional" after Bush left the game, which the Panthers won 30-7.

But quarterback Drew Brees noted the Saints played the final four games of last season with Bush — they went 2-2 while he was out with a knee injury — and proved this year they could persevere when tight end Jeremy Shockey and receiver Marques Colston missed games.

"Of course it's tough. He's a big-time playmaker," Brees said. "We're going to miss him, and I hope he's not out very long."