Arizona Cardinals captain Budda Baker returns to practice from injured reserve

Budda Baker news wouldn't typically be a side note when it comes to the Arizona Cardinals, except on the day that quarterback Kyler Murray proclaimed on social media that he intends to return to practice on Wednesday when the team takes the field.

Baker took part in practice Wednesday as well, with the Pro Bowl safety designated to return from injured reserve prior to the start of the on-field session. He can be placed on the active roster anytime from Wednesday until the end of Week 9, when the Cardinals travel to Cleveland to face the Browns.

Gannon credited the Cardinals' training and performance staff and senior reconditioning coordinator Buddy Morris with helping to get Murray and Baker on the field after extensive rehab. Baker injured a hamstring in practice before the team's Week 2 game against the New York Giants.

"The injury that he had going into Week 2 there, to be able to practice (Wednesday) is a huge boost for our team, I think. And we'll take it day by day with Budda as well," Gannon said. "But you know, when those guys have major injuries, to be able to get back and practice to the level that we feel comfortable, that they're safe and can go perform, it's guys doing their job at a high level."

Baker, like Murray,can practice and the team can activate each player to the 53-man roster at any time during the next 21 days or at the conclusion of the three-week period.

Baker was involved in the portion of practice open to media Wednesday, slapping hands with teammates during the team stretching period. He could soon have his safety partner for the past few seasons, Jalen Thompson, back from injury as well.

Thompson injured a hamstring against Cincinnati in Week 5 and did not play last Sunday at Los Angeles. Gannon said Thompson is day-to-day, though Thompson was not seen in practice Wednesday.

"Two starters coming back into the rotation. That's a that's a big boost for any unit," Gannon said.

Gannon also commented on Tuesday's release of former linebacker Myjai Sanders, who never played a game this season while working his way back from injury and last week being able to start practicing with the team.

"Best thing for the team. Truthfully that's all decisions with roster, you know, moving parts and all those things, but feel good about the guys that we have in that (linebackers) room."

The Cardinals on Wednesday also announced the release of running back Tony Jones Jr. from the active roster.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Cardinals get more good news with return of Budda Baker