Pats Pulpit
As the New England Patriots returned from the bye, so did an undrafted rookie.
The organization announced the re-signing of guard Mehki Butler to the practice squad on Monday.
Butler, 24, had been back in Foxborough for a workout last week. The 6-foot-3, 310-pound interior lineman originally signed after participating in rookie minicamp on a tryout basis in May. He played 52 offensive snaps during the preseason before being waived at the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline in August.
Unclaimed from there, Butler joined New England’s practice squad at its formation, yet was released heading into the second game of September. A former NJCAA first-team All-America selection at Iowa Western Community College, Butler transferred to Arkansas State and redshirted in 2021. He went on to make 38 starts for the Red Wolves on the left side of the line.
To make room, the Patriots released fellow guard Bill Murray from the practice squad.
Murray, 28, made his way back to Gillette Stadium in late November for a workout that led to a contract. The William & Mary product was initially signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He twice served as a standard elevation while spending the entirety of three NFL seasons on the club’s practice squad.
In 2023, Murray moved on to the practice squad of the Chicago Bears. His time in the NFC North brought three appearances that spanned 43 snaps between offense and special teams. The 6-foot-4, 321-pound convert from defensive tackle became a free agent in September after reaching an injury settlement.
The Buffalo Bills visit head coach Mike Vrabel’s 11-2 team for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday.
