Jake Butt is in jeopardy of missing the start of the regular season as he continues to deal with soreness in his surgically repaired left knee.
Broncos coach Vic Fangio said Tuesday the tight end won't practice this week or play in Thursday's final exhibition game against the Cardinals.
"When he starts to feel good and plays or practices, then it flares back up again," Fangio said, via the team's official website. "It’s just something we’re going to have to deal with here. He won’t play in this game and he may miss some time."
When asked if Butt will make the cut on the team's 53-man roster, Fangio couldn't say for sure and hinted that Butt could end up on the injured reserve list.
"Both options are open there," Fangio said. "We’ll see how it all shakes up."
It was reported later Wednesday that Butt is set to undergo a "minor procedure" on his knee.
#broncos TE Jake Butt, who unbelievably as fought through 3 ACL surgeries, has experienced soreness in his left knee (most recent ACL). He will now undergo a minor procedure on that knee I’m told. You have to feel for a player with so much talent & is such a good person too.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) August 28, 2019
Butt tore his ACL in practice during a walk-through on a non-contact play last September and missed all but three games last year, though he was optimistic about his return last week.
"I mean 11 plays in the preseason I’m not going to say I’m back," Butt told 9News after Saturday's exhibition loss to the Rams. "I think it’s a step in the right direction. I feel good about what I did out there. I feel good coming out healthy. Caught a couple passes, blocked well."
The Broncos are slated to kick off "Monday Night Football" on Sept. 9 when they visit the Raiders, but have a number of other injuries to address before then, including rookie quarterback Drew Lock, who sprained his thumb last month.