Budda Baker injury update: Cardinals safety carted off after suffering concussion in collision with Rams’ Cam Akers
Cardinals safety Budda Baker was placed on a stretcher and carted off the field after a hard collision with Rams running back Cam Akers in the third quarter of Monday night’s NFC wild-card playoff game.
Baker rushed in from the side at the end of an 11-yard run by Akers. Baker’s head connected with Akers’ shoulder as he tried to make the tackle. Baker wasn’t moving right after the hit as he rolled onto his back, but he eventually was able to move his arms as he was carted off the field.
“Had feeling in everything, so he’s at the hospital being examined now, but seems to be positive news that I’ve got so far,” Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said after the game.
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According to Mark Dalton, the Cardinals’ senior vice president of media relations, Baker suffered a concussion but had movement and feeling in his extremities.
Initial injury update on Budda Baker – concussion and will not return
Did have movement & feeling in all extremities as he left field
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) January 18, 2022
Dalton added later that Baker was alert and communicating while being transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
More on Budda Baker:
Taken to hospital for further evaluation
Was alert & communicative
Never lost feeling or movement per medical staff
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) January 18, 2022
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After the play, players from both teams took a knee or stood by as Baker was treated by medical personnel.
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Baker was named second-team All-Pro in 2021 and voted to his fourth Pro Bowl. He appeared in all 17 games for Arizona and intercepted three passes, made 98 tackles, including six for loss, and had seven passes defensed.
