Butt was placed on the retired list by the Bears on Wednesday, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.

EDGE Analysis

Butt signed with Chicago in mid-June but will hang up his cleats rather than compete for a roster spot in camp. The 26-year-old's professional career was defined by injuries since being selected during the fifth round of the 2017 draft, and he ended up aapearing in only eight career games.

Butt signed with the Bears on Friday, NFL reporter Aaron Wilson reports.

EDGE Analysis

Injuries have defined Butt's career thus far. He was very highly-rated in college but tore his ACL in his final bowl game for Michigan and slipped to the fifth round of the 2017 draft. He missed all of his rookie season due to injury and all of the 2019 season as well. His entire NFL experience to date consists of three games in 2018 and five in 2020, as he battled injuries in both of those years as well. There's presumably still some talent here if he stays healthy, but the Bears will likely be happy if he can just manage to stay on the field.

The Broncos did not tender a contract to restricted free agent Butt, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Selected one pick ahead of George Kittle in the 2017 draft, Butt has accumulated only 10 receptions for 90 yards over four career NFL games. The Michigan standout was perceived as a top tight end prospect during his senior campaign, but a torn ACL suffered during an Orange Bowl loss to Florida State kept him from making a single appearance as a rookie. Knee and hamstring issues have continued to hamper Butt throughout his career. Now seemingly back near 100 percent after being lifted from injured reserve Dec. 31, Butt has the opportunity to pursue a backup role elsewhere.

Butt (hamstring) was removed from injured reserve Thursday, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Butt's most recent game appearance came Week 6 at New England, but he was ruled out the subsequent contest against Kansas City and moved to IR a week after that on Nov. 3. The tight end hardly made a peep in the passing game over his first five appearances of 2020, registering two catches for five yards on an offensive workload of 22.8 snaps per contest. With Noah Fant still secured atop the depth chart, Butt carries minimal upside as a depth option for Denver's 28th-ranked pass offense.

The Broncos designated Butt (hamstring) for a return from injured reserve Thursday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Butt has resided on injured reserve since Nov. 3 with the hamstring issue, but the team will now have 21 days to officially activate the tight end. Only Noah Fant and Nick Vannett are the healthy tight ends on the roster, so Butt's inclusion in the lineup will bolster the depth if he's officially activated.

Butt (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old missed the past two games due to the hamstring injury and will now be sidelined for at least three additional contests. Albert Okwuegbunam and Nick Vannett (foot) should continue to work as the reserve tight ends behind starter Noah Fant for Denver.

Butt (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Butt was able to log three limited sessions during the practice week, but it's now been determined he'll miss his second consecutive contest. It seemed possible the third-year tight end may be able to suit up for the AFC West clash given his partial availability, but this update indicates tight end depth will be depleted behind No. 1 and 2 options Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam.

Butt (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Chargers, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Butt missed last week's blowout loss to the Chiefs, but a trio of limited practices this week will leave the door open for a Week 8 return. He'll be the No. 3 tight end upon returning to the field, as rookie Albert Okwuegbunam has proven to be a solid pass catcher behind top option Noah Fant.

Butt (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old sat out Sunday's loss to the Chiefs after being considered questionable, but he's back at practice Wednesday. Butt could received the questionable tag again if he's unable to progress to full practice participation by Friday.

Butt (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game versus Kansas City, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old played a season-high 39 offensive snaps last week but won't be available for Week 7 due to the hamstring issue. Noah Fant (ankle) is back in action Sunday, so it's unlikely Butt would have factored into the passing game regardless.