This article has been adapted from the original version.
The Cardinals’ defender Budda Baker was placed on a stretcher and came off the pitch after a powerful collision with the Rams chasing Cam Akers in the third leg of Monday night’s NFC match.
Baker ran from side to side at the end of 11 yards after being chased by the Akers. Baker’s head connected with Akers’ shoulder as he tried to strike. Baker did not move as soon as he was hit when he rolled behind him, but he finally managed to move his arms as he was removed from the field.
“I hear everything, then he is in the hospital to get tested, but it seems like the good news I have,” said Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury after the game.
MORE: Rams vs. Cardinals, updates, reviews
According to Mark Dalton, vice-president of the Cardinals on social media, Baker was stunned but walked and felt at the end of it.
The first traumatic injury to Budda Baker – shaky and never coming back
He had movement & feeling in both ends as he left the field
– Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) January 18, 2022
Dalton later added that Baker was alert and connected when he was taken to the local hospital for a checkup.
More about Budda Baker:
He was taken to a hospital for further examination
He was alert and spoke
He did not lose the feeling or movement of the medical staff
– Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) January 18, 2022
And Baker himself sent a message to fans early Tuesday morning to confirm he was “doing well.”
Thank you all for the prayers. I’m doing well 🙏🏾
– Budda Baker (@ buddabaker32) January 18, 2022
She also took to Instagram to share the video updates on her story and thank you for all the good.
“Thank you guys,” Baker he said in the case of IG. “It all came out right. I’m fine. [I’m] glad to be out of this hospital — back to Arizona…
On Tuesday, Baker was filmed on a private plane to Arizona, confirming that doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles had released him after his night-long examination, filming and examination.
Tuesday’s update on Budda Baker:
Budda spent the night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to continue his lighting, photography and testing.
He was cleared by doctors there, released this morning and on his way back to Arizona. pic.twitter.com/GIt1s8k24l
– Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) January 18, 2022
After the game, players from both teams knelt down or stood up while Baker was assisted by paramedics.
MORE: How Cam Akers recovered miraculously from Achilles’ injury playing in the playoffs
Baker was named the second All-Pro team in 2021 and voted for his fourth Pro Bowl. He appeared in all 17 Arizona games and passed three innings, made 98 ropes, plus six lost, and passed seven defenses.
