Victor Butler's 2013 season officially is a total loss.
The Saints outside linebacker was moved to injured reserve Wednesday, ending any possibility he'll be able to contribute in his first season in New Orleans.
Butler signed a two-year, $3 million contract with the Saints in March and was expected to have a prominent role as the outside rush linebacker in Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme. That changed after Butler tore his ACL during a June minicamp practice.
Butler resumed practicing in November, which gave the Saints a three-week window to decide whether or not to activate him or move him to IR. They chose the latter.
Don't be surprised to hear Ryan talking up Butler as a 2014 difference-maker when organized team activities roll around.
We preview "Thursday Night Football" and play another round of "Win Wess' Toaster" on the latest "Around The League Podcast." Listen in, won't you?