Falcons’ Baker begins rehab after surgery

Flowery Branch — Falcons left tackle Sam Baker has returned to Georgia and started his rehabilitation after having discectomy surgery on his lower back last week in California.

He has begun limited rehabilitation, coach Mike Smith said Wednesday, but he declined to give a timetable for Baker’s return.

“Until we really get him going in the rehab process, we’re not going to really know exactly how long it’s going to be,” Smith said. “But at this point, we’re optimistic the procedure went well according to the doctors and he started his rehab. … But we’re thinking it’s going to be sooner than later.”

Baker injured his hip in practice on Oct. 22. He tried to play against Philadelphia but was a game-time scratch. He saw two hip specialists before it was determined he needed back surgery.

Baker has started five games this season and played a major role in helping the offensive line cut down on sacks allowed and helped the rushing attack, which leads the league in rushing at 163.4 yards per game.

Baker, a first-round draft pick and 21st player taken overall in 2008, has missed three games and parts of two others due to the hip injury and a concussion.

In other injury news, running back Jason Snelling did not practice Wednesday because of a non-football related illness, Smith said. Defensive tackle Grady Jackson (knee), center Todd McClure (back) and left tackle Todd Weiner (knee) were limited in practice.

New punt returner

Rookie wide receiver Harry Douglas replaced Adam Jennings as the Falcons punt returner last week.

“Coach wants us to use wise judgment while we are back there,” Douglas said. “Catch the ball. If you have to fair catch the ball, fair catch the ball.”

Douglas was the primary punt returner in college at Louisville.

“But I returned it several times,” Douglas said. “There is probably more space because the gunners are double (teamed) in the pros. In college they are singled.”

Milloy rested

The Saints are coming off their bye week, but the Falcons feel pretty rested after their easy win against the Raiders.

“Yeah, that was my easiest game in my 13-year career,” safety Lawyer Milloy said. “Besides the fullback trying to cut block me a couple of times, I really didn’t have that much contact. It was something that you never expect.”

— Staff writer D. Orlando Ledbetter contributed to this story.