Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker left the field on a stretcher Monday night after a violent collision with Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers.
The play took place in the third quarter of the NFC wild-card game in Los Angeles with the Rams leading, 28-8. Akers took a handoff from Matthew Stafford from the Cardinals’ 16-yard line and broke free into the secondary at full speed. Baker met Akers near the 6-yard line with a diving tackle. As Baker dove, Akers lowered his head, and their helmets collided.
Baker immediately went stiff and rolled over on his back after the collision.
Athletic trainers rushed to tend to Baker, who remained on the field for several minutes as medical staff stabilized him on a stretcher. Before he was wheeled off the field, he raised his right arm into the air. He eventually left SoFi Stadium in an ambulance.
The Cardinals later announced that Baker suffered a concussion, and had movement and feeling in his extremities.
Initial injury update on Budda Baker – concussion and will not return
Did have movement & feeling in all extremities as he left field
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) January 18, 2022
After he arrived at a local hospital, the Cardinals announced that Baker was alert, communicative and never lost feeling.
More on Budda Baker:
Taken to hospital for further evaluation
Was alert & communicative
Never lost feeling or movement per medical staff
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) January 18, 2022
Tempers flare after hit
In the immediate aftermath of the collision, Akers walked past Baker and gestured toward him while he was on the ground, seemingly unaware that Baker was injured.
Some Cardinals players confronted Akers before everyone on the field turned their attention to Baker. When the nature of the situation was clear, Akers stood alongside players from both teams concerned about Baker’s health.
Akers then wished Baker well on Twitter after the game, and confirmed he was unaware of what had happened in the moment.
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 game was already chippy as the Rams built a double-digit lead, with Los Angeles defensive tackle Aaron Donald drawing an unnecessary roughness penalty during a scuffle on the previous Cardinals possession. The Rams won, 34-11 to advance to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in next weekend’s divisional round.