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

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