Vernon Butler Injury: Updates on Panthers DT's Ankle and Return

Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler had not played since he suffered an ankle injury against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Butler Active vs. Chiefs

Sunday, Nov. 13

The Panthers announced Butler is available to play against Kansas City in Week 10.

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Latest on Butler's Practice Status

Friday, Nov. 11

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera told reporters Butler took "a tremendous amount of reps" in Friday's practice. 

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Butler Injury Hurts Panthers' Defensive Depth

The Panthers snagged Butler with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2016 draft, and the decision was met with praise.

"General manager Dave Gettleman opted for Butler, who can learn from Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei and step in as a starter if either leave in free agency in 2016," ESPN's Todd McShay wrote. "Butler is an exceptional run defender with explosive upper-body power and the ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line."

Three games into his rookie season, the Louisiana Tech product has accrued three tackles and one sack working as a rotational cog in Carolina's dominant defensive fronts.