Hamilton Tiger-Cats safety Craig Butler might not step on the field in 2016 due to a significant injury, according to CFL sources.

Butler is dealing with a knee issue that’s put him in danger of missing the entire 2016 campaign. The 27-year-old was due a sizeable bonus in early March but re-negotiated his contract. Although he did not receive that off-season payment, Butler will be paid while he recovers. The re-worked deal displays the Ticats’ commitment to Butler by keeping him on through the uncertainty of the setback when they could’ve cut him and walked away.

Thank you to everyone in the CFL community for all the support. For those that don't kno me, I will be back better than I have ever been. ☝ — Craig Butler (@CButler28) March 24, 2016

No. 28 played in 15 regular season games last season, making 14 starts, on his way to being named a CFL all-star. The London native registered 43 tackles, four sacks and one interception in his third season in the Hammer. He was also named an East all-star in 2014.

Originally a second-round pick of the Saskatchewan Roughriders back in 2011, Butler earned CFL West all-star honours in his rookie year.

The Canadian defender has started 67 games over his five-year CFL career. He was signed to a three-year contract by Hamilton before the 2014 season.