GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals get their team captain back on the field for the season finale in Week 18 vs. the Los Angeles Rams. Safety Budda Baker missed his first game of the 2025 season last week due to a concussion suffered in the home finale the week prior. Baker had just been named to his seventh Pro Bowl selection when the injury strike, which made not only playing again this season in jeopardy but in the Pro Bowl itself.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!However, Arizona’s latest injury report had Baker fully participate in practice and will be playing on Sunday.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) leaves the field after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Arizona’s injury report for Week 18:
OL Kelvin Beachum (NIR-Rest) – Limited
OL Evan Brown (NIR-Personal) – DNP
WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Foot/Heel) – DNP
LB Josh Sweat (Ankle/Knee) – DNP
S Budda Baker (Concussion/Thumb) – Full
OL Hjalte Froholdt (Elbow) – Full
CB Will Johnson (Thumb) – Full
CB Max Melton (Heel) – Full
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) reacts after a pass defense against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Baker joined center Hjalte Froholdt, cornerbacks Will Johnson and Max Melton in practice on Thursday, as the group of players look to finish out the season on a high note. Baker and his secondary teammates are looking to avoid going 0-6 vs. NFC West opponents for the second time under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
The Cardinals could struggle with that goal in Week 18, as wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Josh Sweat didn’t suit up for Thursday’s practice. Harrison has had a rough second half of the season, with injuries plaguing his reps and playing time. Sweat has appeared in every game this season, but the team could be caution to protect their 28-year-old defensive superstar.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
