DECEMBER 7, 2022 • AZCARDINALS.COM
BUDDA BAKER #3 - SAFETY - ARIZONA CARDINALS
142 TCKL •
0 INT •
2 SCK
142 TCKL
0 INT
2 SCK
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Another outing with 10-plus tackles Baker racked up 10 tackles and a pass defense during Monday's 38-10 defeat to the 49ers.
Impact Baker was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain after Week 9, a diagnosis that typically is accompanied by an absence of some sort. However, he's been able to play through the pain, following an 80 percent snap share Week 10 with all of the defensive snaps Monday. Baker now has reached double-digit stops in three of the last four contests, pushing him to 12th in the NFL with 85. As a result, he's upholding his standing as one of the top-tier IDPs.
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The passion and presence of Budda Baker that could save the Cardinals Already regarded as one of the NFL's best safeties, Baker has taken the respect to an even higher level this fall.
NOVEMBER 21, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Cleared for Monday Baker doesn't have an injury designation for Monday's matchup against the 49ers, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Impact Baker didn't practice Thursday due to a lingering ankle injury, progressed to a limited participant Friday and was full go Saturday, putting him in line to play Monday. He played through the issue in Week 10 and recorded four tackles and one interception but saw a season-low 80 percent of the team's defensive snaps.
NOVEMBER 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Returns to limited practice Baker (ankle) logged a limited practice session Friday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact Baker was unable to practice Thursday, so his limited participation Friday represents an upgrade in status. He played through the same injury in Week 10, which will likely continue for Monday's matchup against the 49ers barring a setback. Assuming he suits up, Baker will continue to serve a key role in Arizona's secondary, as he's tallied 75 total tackles, three passes defended and one interception across 10 games on the campaign.
NOVEMBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
DNP on Thursday Baker (ankle) was a non-participant at Thursday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
Impact Despite coming out of Week 9 action with a high-ankle sprain, Baker only needed one limited session last week to be able to suit up this past Sunday at the Rams, where he took on a smaller snap share than normal (80 percent) and recorded four tackles and his first interception of the season. He's kicking off Week 11 prep with a DNP, but he'll have two more opportunities to mix into drills ahead of Monday's contest against the 49ers in Mexico City. Whether or not he does so remains to be seen, but Chris Banjo and inside linebacker Isaiah Simmons would be the candidates to cover for an absent Baker at free safety.
NOVEMBER 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Records interception Sunday Baker notched four tackles and one interception during Sunday's 27-17 victory at the Rams.
Impact After Week 9, Baker had very little chance to play Week 10 due to a high-ankle sprain, but the tide changed in his favor following a limited session Friday. Officially listed as questionable for Sunday, not only did he suit up, he logged 48 of 60 offensive plays (80 percent) and capped the performance with a 53-yard return on his pick of L.A. quarterback John Wolford. Baker's activity level bears watching as the Cardinals prepare for next Monday's game versus the 49ers, as any non-DNP at practice seemingly is enough for him to play through the pain.
NOVEMBER 15, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
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NOVEMBER 14, 2022 • AZCARDINALS.COM
McCoy leads Cards past Rams 27-17; Cooper Kupp injured
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Available in Week 10 Baker (ankle) is active for Sunday's contest at the Rams, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact In the wake of a Week 9 loss to the Seahawks, Baker was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, which was expected to sideline him for 2-to-3 weeks. Arizona changed course with the free safety Friday, as a limited practice was followed by a questionable designation for Week 10. Now that he's been cleared to play Sunday, Baker could have a cap on his reps. However, if he's able to handle his normal workload, he'll be looking to reach double-digit tackles for a third consecutive game.
NOVEMBER 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Officially deemed questionable Baker (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Rams, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact According to Urban, head coach Kliff Kingsbury said earlier this week that there was a "zero percent" chance of Baker playing against the Rams, but the Cardinals are apparently now leaving the door open for the safety to suit up this weekend after he practiced in a limited capacity Friday. That being said, Kingsbury said Friday that the team will be "really smart" in determining Baker's status for this week, but it's at least encouraging for the 26-year-old's long-term prospects that he has been upgraded to questionable.
NOVEMBER 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
'Hard Knocks': Budda Baker Gives Emotional Locker Room Speech Cardinals star safety Budda Baker gets fired up in this teaser clip from "Hard Knocks In Season: The Arizona Cardinals." Watch the series ea...
NOVEMBER 11, 2022 • AZCARDINALS.COM
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