With Sam Baker lost for the season the Atlanta Falcons have moved Jake Mtthews to left tackle.
Matthews – the No. 6 overall pick – will shift to the left side of the line with Lamar Holmes taking over duties at right tackle.
When drafted many believed that the 22-year-old former Texas A&M tackle could have overtaken Baker for the job at left tackle by midseason.
The #Falcons made the switch. Rookie Jake Matthews at LT and Lamar Holmes at RT.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) August 18, 2014
Baker injured his right knee in Sunday’s preseason game against Houston. He played in just four games last season before suffering a left knee injury.
“Following his injury in the game, Sam underwent a number of tests and it was determined that he had suffered a torn patellar tendon and will miss the rest of the season,” coach Mike Smith said in a statement. “Sam had worked extremely hard to get back on the field after missing most of last season, and he was having a good camp. I know he is disappointed, but I also know he is a very resilient football player and will do whatever he can to bounce back.”
The Falcons ranked last in the league in yards rushing and quarterback Matt Ryan was sacked a career-high 44 times, in addition to being pressured 203 times, most in the NFL.
