Injury report: Sam Baker could miss Lions’ game
Falcons lineman Sam Baker blocks Carolina's Charles Johnson, giving Matt Ryan time to pass. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons starting left tackle Sam Baker missed his second day of practice with a lower back injury on Thursday.
If Baker is not ready to play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Will Svitek would get the start.
Baker had been playing well after a slow start to the season. He had tough matchups in the opener against Chicago’s Julius Peppers and in the second game against Philadelphia’s Trent Cole.
After the line had given up 13 sacks in the first three games, Falcons coach Mike Smith said the staff was considering shaking up the starting line. The week before the Seattle game, Baker and Svitek were splitting time with the first-team.
FILE PHOTO: Falcons offensive lineman Sam Baker let his beard grow out, sporting some additional length on his chin last season. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
When the Falcons got off to a good start and jumped out to a 27-7 lead against Seattle, the staff decided not to make any major personnel changes.
Smith has said that the offense has had to make some “schematic” changes to protect Ryan. They are throwing off of fewer five- and seven-step drops, rolling Ryan out some and leaving in running backs or tight ends to help chip block.
Svitek comes in to block as a tight end in some of the Falcons’ power formations. He was originally with Kansas City. The Falcons signed him Feb. 12, 2009.
He has played in 57 games and made six starts. He started two games for the Falcons in 2009.
Also, wide receiver Julio Jones did not practice on Thursday. The team hopes that he can play on Sunday. They’ll have designate his chance of playing in Friday’s injury report. He hasn’t practiced since before the Green Bay game.
Cornerback Christopher Owens (concussion) didn’t practice.
John Abraham (groin), Todd McClure (knee) and Garrett Reynolds (ankle) returned to practice, but were limited. James Sanders (hamstring) practiced for the second consecutive day and was limited.
Jonathan Babineaux (knee), Tony Gonzalez (elbow) and Roddy White (knee) were full.
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54 comments Add your comment
Mikefalcon63
October 21st, 2011
3:09 pm
DLed won’t write it b/c he needs access/respect from the team to do his job. But he knows Sam Baker is the weakest link on our line. He knows Baker starting is more about politics than talent. Folks blame Dimitrof all you want b/c he is the GM. Dimitroff has final say for drafting players. But keep in mind that an entire coaching staff and scouting department advised Dimitroff to take guys like Baker and sign Slip-up Robinson! To play anyone else is to admit failure for everyone! So it is a political game.
The same thing happens in college with walk-ons who out play scholar athletes in practice. Just part of the political game in sports.
Mikefalcon63
October 21st, 2011
3:16 pm
Btw, I want to see an article with Smitty and Van Gorder, detailing why we can’t get off the field on 3rd down, but I know it won’t happen. Unfortunately, reporters have to be very gentle with questions or they will find themselves out of a job, due to ruined relationships with the team. We saw with Matt Winklejohn when he rubbed Jim Mora the wrong way. We will only ever get a quarter of the real story, if that. Not DLeds fault. He can’t make people talk w/o losing credibility as a journalist. People are only going to tell you what they want to tell you.
Jordan
October 22nd, 2011
12:53 am
http://isportsweb.com/2011/10/22/falcons-head-motor-city-take-on-lions/
John Powers
October 22nd, 2011
1:55 pm
after 40 years being a falcon strange things start to happen.vibes and or feelings. I knew all last year we were not going anywhere new. This year a struggle it will be.When we do fight into the play-offs the rest will want no part of the FALCONS. We all know its a new deal then and anything can happen. We have aiready turned the corner. Leaving motor city with a W.