Saints fans are now holding their collective breath as Victor Butler, who the team was counting on to improve the pass rush for the Saints, went down with a torn ACL suffered in OTAs yesterday. Running back Mark Ingram took a swing pass during a team drill during Tuesday’s practice and collided with Butler near the sideline. Ingram ran free, but Butler remained on the turf for a couple of minutes. Ingram and Saints coach Sean Payton went over to check on Butler while Butler was on the turf. Butler eventually came to his feet, but had both of his arms around the shoulders of trainers as they helped him walk out of the indoor practice facility.

It’s not known, at this time, if Butler will have to undergo surgery, although that’s the normal procedure for an injury of this type.

This is a significant hurdle in the Saints plans for the defense. Now the Saints will have to rely more on Will Smith, Junior Galette, and Martez Wilson to provide the pass rush from the OLB position. This give a great opportunity for Gallette and Wilson to shine with the rotation down from 4 to 3.  Rob Ryan’s job just got a little more difficult.

WWL has confirmed that the New Orleans Saints plan to sign outside linebacker Victor Butler.