Falcons lose Sam Baker right knee injury, Jake Matthews up next?

Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons tackle Sam Baker (72) is assisted off the field during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons tackle Sam Baker (72) is assisted off the field during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The loss of a left tackle can cripple a franchise, thus the departure of Falcons right tackle Sam Baker was likely heartbreaking for Matt Ryan and the rest of the franchise. He left in the second quarter on a medical cart in the Falcons preseason game against the Houston Texans on Saturday.

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If the injury is as severe as it looked, then the Falcons could be without Baker for multiple regular season games.

The Falcons plan to keep rookie Jake Matthews at left tackle may have been foiled. He may have to make a premature move to right tackle. In a way, it’s unfortunate that the Falcons must force his development, but perhaps this is good news for a rookie that was selected sixth-overall.

He will skip the grooming process and advance straight to the objective.

Baker fell to the ground and remained there for several minutes before being helped to the cart. The Associated Press wrote, “Houston offensive linemen Chris Myers and Duane Brown walked over and shook his hand as he was being carted off the field.”

Baker was not having a particularly good game. Rookie and former first-overall pick Jadeveon Clowney was having his way with the tackle.

Baker played in four games last season due to problems with his left knee, which he had surgery one in November. He started 16 games in 2012.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NFL page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.