Flowery Branch, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - Atlanta Falcons left tackle Sam Baker will miss the 2014 season with a torn patellar tendon in his knee.
Baker left Saturday night's preseason game against the Houston Texans with a right knee injury and the Falcons confirmed the diagnosis late Sunday.
"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," said Falcons coach Mike Smith. "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 had planned on starting first-round pick Jake Matthews at right tackle, but decided to move him to left tackle to replace Baker. Lamar Holmes took over for Matthews at right tackle during Monday's practice.
Baker played in just four games last season because of a left knee injury that required surgery in November. The USC product has started 61 of 70 games since the Falcons selected him in the first round of the 2008 draft.
With Baker landing on injured reserve, the Falcons signed veteran tackle Pat McQuistan.
The 6-foot-6, 317-pound McQuistan was originally selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He has played in 72 career games with 11 starts during his career, serving as a member of the Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals.
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