Sam

Baker

“I think Sam has a long future with us,” said Smith, suggesting Baker’s 2011 struggles were purely the result of a mid-season back procedure. Baker will have to hold off Will Svitek for the starting job, and it sounds like the Falcons are pulling for him to do so.

The Falcons made the change on their official depth chart. Although they say it’s because Baker’s back still isn’t 100 percent, the truth is that Svitek is playing too well to remove from Matt Ryan’s blind side. Baker was limited to special teams duties in Week 12.

Baker was playing like one of the league’s worst left tackles, so we’re not so sure the move from him to Will Svitek will cause a downgrade. Baker also missed eight games in 2008, his rookie year, with a herniated disc near his spinal cord, an injury that required “discectomy” surgery. If Svitek plays well, it’s not crazy to think that Baker would lose his job permanently.

The 21st overall pick in the 2008 draft, Baker’s base salary in the final year of his rookie deal is $2,576,250. Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Jeff Schultz suggests that the Falcons should cut Baker, which would create room under the cap. A bust as a former first-round selection, Baker has chronic back problems and lost his job in 2011 to Will Svitek.

Baker opened the season as the starting left tackle but Will Svitek has since seized that job. Now Baker is playing in a rotation with Joe Hawley and doesn’t sound too happy about it. Baker was benched Sunday after giving up a sack to Antwan Applewhite.

Svitek appears to have “pipped” Baker, who started the first six games of the year at left tackle. “Will has been in there and has played well. In our minds, he gave us the best opportunity to win this week,” said coach Mike Smith. Svitek hasn’t allowed a sack in any of the last five games despite facing the likes of Dwight Freeney, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Will Smith, Jason Jones and Jared Allen.

Matt Ryan couldn’t have a better matchup against a Colts secondary that has struggled to defend physical receivers, but his offensive line remains an issue. Will Svitek will defend Ryan’s blindside with Baker out 3-4 weeks.

There are no details on the procedure, though Baker’s struggles last season were blamed on a herniated disc near his spinal cord that required “discectomy” surgery. Now healthy, Baker has at least temporarily regained the starting job from Will Svitek. Atlanta needs Baker to turn in above-average play this season after Matt Ryan lost trust in his pass protection last year.

He’s working as Atlanta’s first-team left tackle at OTAs, over Will Svitek. “It feels good,” Baker said. “I was able to take the offseason and rehab my back. I feel like my back is healthy.” Baker is owed $2,576,250 in the final year of his contract. His back problems date back to October of 2008, Baker’s rookie season.

Baker has chronic back issues, but he’s at least temporarily regained his starting job now that he’s healthy. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, he’ll look to reestablish his value before gaining unrestricted free agency next offseason.