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Victor Butler injures knee during OTA collision

Rob Ryan

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan greets linebacker Victor Butler as he walks of the field after practice at their NFL football training facility in Metairie, La., Thursday, May 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

AP

Though he hasn’t been a regular starter in his career, the Saints have high hopes for outside linebacker Victor Butler.

Now, they’re just hoping an apparent knee injury isn’t serious.

According to Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Butler left midway through Tuesday’s OTA practice after colliding with running back Mark Ingram.

Butler remained on the turf for a few minutes, but was helped off by trainers after coach Sean Payton checked in on him.

Payton said it appeared the two players banged knees, and that they were fortunate the injury wasn’t more serious. The former backup to DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer in Dallas is being counted on for his pass-rush ability, as the Saints aren’t overburdened with options at the position.

Even if the injury is not major, it underscores one of the realities of the offseason. These workouts might be mostly voluntary, but they’re not always safe.