Cardinals' Baker released from hospital after being stretchered off vs. Rams
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker was released from hospital Tuesday after being stretchered off the field following a collision with Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers in Monday's 34-11 loss, according to Mark Dalton of the team's media relations.
Baker was cleared by physicians to return to Arizona after being kept overnight.
Before leaving the hospital, Baker announced on Instagram he was going to make a full recovery and that "everything came out clean."
Cardinals safety Budda Baker says he’s going to make a full recovery after being taken to local hospital last night. pic.twitter.com/b7W3l6zebl
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 18, 2022
The safety took a hard hit to the head while trying to tackle Akers on a run near the end zone. He was ruled out with a concussion shortly after.
Several players gathered on the field around Baker as he received treatment and some seemed to have an issue with Akers, who appeared to taunt the collapsed defender after the play.
Budda Baker was tended to on the field after this scary collision with Cam Akers.
— ESPN (@espn) January 18, 2022
He was stretchered off the field 🙏 pic.twitter.com/W6EmzaHAEw
Akers showed support for Baker on Twitter minutes after the game's final whistle, adding he didn't know the defender was hurt.
Prays up to Budda 🙏🏾 . I didn’t know he was hurt after the play but I have nothing but respect for him .
— Cam akers (@thereal_cam3) January 18, 2022
The 26-year-old earned his fourth Pro Bowl berth this season after racking up 98 tackles and three interceptions through 17 appearances. He had four tackles against the Rams before exiting the game.