Atlanta Falcons
Sam Baker - #72 - T
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 5"/ 301 lbs. |
| Birthday | 05/30/1985 |
| Birthplace | Tustin, CA |
| College | USC |
| Years played | 6 |
| Drafted | 2008, 1st round, 21st pick by Falcons |
Week 16 playoff scenarios
First-round byes and playoff spots are up for grabs in Week 16. See how it can happen in the playoff scenarios.
NFC South Spin cycle: Falcons not playing pretend
The Falcons bounced back in a big way Sunday as the Panthers stayed hot and the Saints dealt the Bucs a brutal loss.
Falcons make statement by shutting out Giants
Julio Jones caught two of Matt Ryan's three TD passes and the Falcons handed the Giants their first regular-season shutout since 1996.
Falcons S Moore's impressive season interrupted
League evaluators say injured Falcons SS William Moore, who is in the final year of his contract, is having one of the best seasons of his four-year career.
Week 15 handicapping column
PFW handicapping expert Mike Wilkening believes the Falcons will regain some of their lost luster on Sunday.
Key matchup: Falcons running game vs. Giants run defense
In Wednesday’s key matchup, we look ahead to the Week 15 battle between the Falcons and the Giants in Atlanta.
Scout's Notebook: Falcons WLB Sean Weatherspoon
PFW personnel analyst Nolan Nawrocki breaks down Falcons WLB Sean Weatherspoon, whom he views as overrated.
Falcons a little closer to getting new stadium
After about two years of discussions, the Falcons are a step closer to getting a new downtown stadium.
Falcons mindful of saving counters for playoffs
There is a theory that the Falcons will not reveal all the adjustments they may be inclined to make in the playoffs in the last several weeks of the regular season.
NFC South Spin cycle: Disturbing start to December for Falcons
The Falcons, Saints and Buccaneers each took a big step backward Sunday, but the Panthers earned their best win of the Ron Rivera-era.
Panthers upset Falcons behind Newton's big day
Cam Newton threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns and scored on a 72-yard run as the Panthers defeated the Falcons 30-20 on Sunday.
Friday's 60-second rant: How dangerous is Denver?
It's difficult to gauge how far the Broncos' have come since early-season losses, but using each week to improve could carry them a long way.
Week 14 playoff scenarios
The 49ers and Ravens can clinch playoff spots in Week 14, while the Texans and Falcons aim for first-round byes.
Week 13 Players of the Week
This week, PFW selects Adrian Peterson, William Moore and Greg Zuerlein as its Players of the Week.
NFC South Spin cycle: Falcons cross one hurdle
The NFC South-champion Falcons dealt the rival Saints a blow in Week 13, and the Panthers and Bucs both came up short out West.
PLAYER NEWS
The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a six-year contract with Sam Baker, bringing back another key play on a team that came up just short of the Super Bowl.|||||||
The deal with Baker was announced late Tuesday night. It was overshadowed by the big news of the day in Flowery Branch - tight end Tony Gonzalez has decided to come back for another season at age 37, after initially saying he was likely to retire.
Baker is active for Sunday's game versus Minnesota.|||||||
Baker missed four games with a back injury.
Baker was on the inactive list for Atlanta's game against Denver on Sunday.|||||||
Baker, a first-round pick from USC, has started five games but was held out Oct. 26 against Philadelphia with what was called a hip injury. Baker was examined by specialists who found a problem in his lower back, and underwent surgery. His return is still uncertain.
Baker was on the inactive list for Sunday's game against Carolina after undergoing concussion tests this week.|||||||
Baker has been forced to leave the last two games and was listed on the injury report as having an illness.
Baker was hit in the head in the first half of Sunday's 24-9 loss at Tampa Bay and did not return.|||||||
Coach Mike Smith said Baker's status would be evaluated Monday.
