A violation of team rules earlier in the week factored into the New England Patriots' decision to bench cornerback Malcolm Butler during Super Bowl LII, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The violation was reportedly related to team curfew. Butler also had a subpar week of practice, according to Rapoport, and battled an illness in the days leading up to the Super Bowl.

Butler started all but one game for the Patriots over the last three seasons, but saw only one snap Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, and it came on special teams.

Related - Malcolm Butler: Patriots 'gave up on me' with benching

His mysterious absence was called a "coach's decision" during the game.

A Super Bowl hero three years ago and an integral member of New England's championship squad last year, Butler had an up-and-down campaign in 2017. He's scheduled to become a free agent in March.