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Cardinals’ Budda Baker: Plans to play in season finale
Baker (concussion/thumb) was a full practice participant Thursday and said that he’ll play Sunday against the Rams after clearing concussion protocol, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals‘ official site reports.
Baker missed last Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati while in concussion protocol, but he said Thursday that he’s since passed through the NFL’s five-step process and is good to go for Sunday. That should be a big boost to Arizona’s defense, which was torched by the combination of Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco for a 121.2 passer rating last weekend. Baker ranks second on the Cardinals with 111 tackles on the campaign (one behind linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither) and has added five defensed passes, including one interception.
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Cardinals’ Kitan Crawford: Placed on IR
The Cardinals placed Crawford (ankle) on injured reserve Thursday, Darren Urban of the team’s official site reports.
Crawford was already ruled out for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Rams due to an ankle injury, and his placement on IR was a procedural move to open up a spot on the Cardinals’ 53-man roster for Austin Keys, who was waived by the Vikings on Wednesday. Crawford — who the Cardinals selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft — finished his first NFL regular season with 20 tackles (11 solo) and one pass defense across 15 games (one start) while contributing on both special teams and in the secondary.
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Cardinals’ Josh Sweat: DNP to open Week 18 prep
Sweat (ankle/knee) did not practice Wednesday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
Sweat did not practice during Week 17 prep due to ankle and knee injuries but was still cleared to play against the Bengals, when he logged one tackle while playing 24 defensive snaps. He’s opened Week 18 prep with a DNP but may need to practice in order to play in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Rams. If Sweat ends up sitting out, Dante Stills and Jordan Burch would be poised to see more snaps at defensive end.
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Cardinals’ Budda Baker: Limited in Wednesday’s practice
Baker (concussion/thumb) was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
Baker was unable to play against the Bengals in Week 17 while in the league’s concussion protocol. He’s also working through a thumb injury, and his ability to return to practice in a limited capacity indicates that he is progressing in his recovery. Baker would need an independent neurologist to clear him from concussion protocol in order for him to be available for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Rams.