Budda Baker carted off field after controversial taunting from Cam Akers

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker was carted off the field during Monday’s playoff game following a scary helmet-to-helmet collision with Rams running back Cam Akers. Akers appeared to taunt Baker after the hit, telling him to stay on the ground with a hand motion.

This caused several Cardinals players to grow extremely upset with him.

Budda Baker was tended to on the field after this scary collision with Cam Akers.

He was stretchered off the field 🙏 pic.twitter.com/W6EmzaHAEw

— ESPN (@espn) January 18, 2022

In the defense of the running back, he appeared unaware of the severity of the injury. Once it became clear Budda Baker was unable to get up, Cam Akers was seen on one knee showing his respect for the situation. Both teams cleared their benches to send well wishes to the safety before he was taken to the hospital.

ESPN’s Lisa Salters reported that Baker was responsive to EMTs, which is definitely a positive sign. He also appeared to move his hands on the broadcast.

The Cardinals later offered an update on the injury to Baker via Twitter. According to the team, he was “alert and communicative,” and never lost feeling or movement.

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

At the time Baker exited the game, Los Angeles held a commanding 28-8 lead late in the third quarter. The Rams added a pair of field goals in the fourth to win by a score of 34-11. They are set to face the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday.

A fifth year pro, Baker was named to the All-Pro second team in 2021. A four-time Pro Bowler, he finished with career highs in interceptions (3) and passes defended (7) this past season.

Arizona’s spectacular season comes to a disappointing end, but it was still a memorable one. The Cardinals made their first playoff appearance since 2015, and will look to build off that performance in 2022.

Hopefully Baker will make a full recovery and return to form just in time to help Arizona to a deeper playoff run next year.