Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker was carted off the field in Monday’s NFC Wild Card Game loss to the Los Angeles Rams following a tackle of Cam Akers.
Baker was immobilized and taken off during the third quarter of play. He raised his arm prior to being carted off and had movement in his extremities. The team announced he was ruled out with a concussion and that he’d been taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, but he was alert, communicative and never lost feeling or movement, according to the medical staff.
“He had feeling and everything, he’s at the hospital being examined now,” Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said after the game. “Seems to be positive news that I’ve gotten so far.”
Kingsbury did not know yet if Baker would be able to fly home with the team.
Akers delivered a hit to Baker as the two came together and Baker’s arms stiffened.
Baker remained on the ground as medical staff attended to him.
Immediately following the play, Akers gestured for Baker to stay down, which Cardinals players took umbrage with. After the game, Akers tweeted that he didn’t initially realize Baker was hurt after the play and wished him well.
