The New England Patriots put Malcolm Butler in injured reserve

Foxboro, MA – New England Patriots put in veteran cornerback Malcolm Butler In injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season and trying to return to the franchise where he became Super Bowl champion seven years ago.

A source said Butler, 32, was shot in the groin. Butler started in the Patriots’ season opener on Thursday, playing 23 catches and recovering a bump, but he hasn’t trained since.

Butler, who spent 2021 outside of football, signed a two-year contract with the Patriots in March. He was part of a group of players vying to fill the void he created JC JacksonThe free agent’s departure to the Los Angeles Chargers, mostly training as a backup behind the veterans Galen MillsAnd the Terrence Mitchell And the Jonathan Jones.

Butler was the champion for the team’s 28-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. His interception on the goal line in the last minute is one of the most iconic plays in election and NFL history.

In a 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, Butler surprisingly didn’t play on defense. He continued to play for the Tennessee Titans and never thought he would eventually return to New England.

“One thing I’ve learned, you’ll never burn your bridge. You handle situations like a man, as an adult. If I don’t, I don’t think I’ll ever have a chance to come back here,” he said upon returning.

In addition to Butler, the Patriots finished fourth in the back corner Joejuan Williams On injured reserve. Williams had a distant chance of making it to the list.