Patriots’ Malcolm Butler Placed on Injured Reserve, Out for Season

Patriots corner Malcolm Butler was placed on the injured reserve list and will miss the 2022 season, the team announced on Tuesday.

While it is currently unknown what injury Butler sustained, the veteran cornerback has not practiced since New England’s preseason opener against the Giants on Thursday, where he recovered a fumble and played 23 snaps.

In March, Butler came out of retirement to return to New England on a two-year deal worth $9 million.

Prior to playing in Thursday’s game, Butler had not played in a game since Jan. 3, 2021. He retired ahead of the 2021 after signing with the Cardinals. However, the Cardinals released him in February, leading to his return to New England.

Butler’s second stint in New England comes after he previously won two Super Bowls (XLIX and LI) with the Patriots. He was once a Super Bowl hero when he came up with a goal-line, game-saving interception with just seconds remaining in Super Bowl XLIX against the Seahawks.

However, Butler was benched during his third Super Bowl appearance against the Eagles (LII).

Butler, who entered the NFL as a rookie free agent out of West Alabama, has played in 100 games and recorded 405 total tackles, three sacks, 17 interceptions with two returned for touchdowns, 82 passes deflections, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his career.