AP

The Saints knew it was a long shot to think Victor Butler might come back this year, six months after tearing his ACL. But they considered it worth a shot, and the physically unable to perform list left the door open for a miracle.

Wednesday, after his three-week practice window ended, they decided to not activate him, according to Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. He started practicing on Nov. 19, but apparently wasn’t ready to contribute.

Butler was injured in June during OTAs, and at the time it seemed it was a crushing blow for a team lacking pass-rush options. He was brought in from Dallas, where he backed up DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer and was familiar with coordinator Rob Ryan’s system.

But the Saints have responded well in Butler’s absence, and now will wait to see if he can help next year.