The Arizona Cardinals are having a busy Wednesday afternoon. Safety Budda Baker, who injured his hamstring before Arizona’s Week 2 game, returned to practice. He joined star quarterback Kyler Murray as an important player nearing a return to the Cardinals lineup. Hamstrings can be tricky to navigate, but Baker’s presence in the secondary will unquestionably make Arizona a better football team moving forward.
BREAKING: BUDDA'S BACK!
The Arizona Cardinals have officially designated S Budda Baker to return from IR. pic.twitter.com/sRb8Pb60t6
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) October 18, 2023
What Does Budda Baker Bring to the Team?
Currently in his seventh season, Budda Baker has been an All-Pro twice and made five Pro Bowls. A defensive captain in Arizona, he averaged 115.2 tackles per season from 2018-2022. Baker also has seven interceptions, six forced fumbles, and 7.5 sacks in his career. 2018 was the only season in which Baker wasn’t credited without at least six passes defended.
For the 2023 Arizona Cardinals, who are ranked 27th by allowing 27.0 points per game, Budda Baker’s ability to make plays at every level is sorely missed. Arizona’s Week 1 performance, when Baker was healthy, was arguably their best of the season. With him starting, the Cardinals only allowed 20 points, 3.8 yards per play, forced three turnovers, recorded six sacks, and scored a touchdown. If they want more wins, games like that are going to help a lot.