The New Orleans Saints are heading into the 2013 season with loads of optimism after putting the bounty scandal behind them and with head coach Sean Payton back in the fold, the team is expecting big things from many players, but one they may have to rely on less is linebacker Victor Butler.
According to ESPN.com, Butler tire his ACL in workouts for the team and he could be out for a while. Sources said that Butler injured himself in Tuesday's practice and Wednesday's was cancelled as the final day of organized team activities, as the team already held its minicamp workouts last week. Butler was expected to be a key contributor on defense after signing as a free agent and he was looking good on the pass rushing in workouts before getting injured.
Butler will likely need surgery for the injury and it occurred after running back Mark Ingram caught a pass out of the backfield and collided with Butler, who then was on the turf for some time before he was checked on by Payton. He was able to stand up, but he needed help to get off the field and Payton later said that two players bumped knees with each other. The loss of Butler would be a big blow as the team tries to improve its defense under Rob Ryan, but it shouldn't totally devastate the unit.
Butler was a free agent target for a number of teams, including the Eagles, Browns and Steelers as well as the Saints and he came over to New Orleans after playing with rob Ryan in Dallas. He signed a two year deal for $3 million and had the chance to star in a scheme that he was comfortable with. The Saints were terrible on defense last season and brining in Ryan was expected to shore things up.
The Saints went 7-9 last season and missed the playoffs after ranking 32nd in rushing yards allowed per game and 31st in passing yards allowed per game with nearly 300. The team drafted Kenny Vaccaro with their first round pick and Butler was expected to help get the defense under control. Payton and the team will now have to see who can step up if he's done.