Flowery Branch — Falcons rookie left tackle Sam Baker has made it through two practices with no flair ups after returning from lower back surgery on Oct. 28. Baker is not sure if he’ll be cleared to play on Sunday.

“It was real good to be out there with the guys again and just get back in the motions, mentally and physically,” Baker said. “Every thing feels good. I’m just doing what the doctors are telling me.”

Baker started five games this season, but has been inactive for the last six games. He was also inactive earlier in the season for the first Carolina game with a concussion.

“It was very, very tough sitting out,” Baker said. “More mentally than anything, it was tough.”

It was an unexciting layoff for Baker.

“I was just laying in bed trying to get better,” Baker said. “I pretty much just slept all day.”

Veteran Todd Weiner has replaced Baker in the starting lineup and has played well.

“Todd has had his number of snaps increased over the last three weeks,” Smith said. “I think he’s starting to feel a lot better with his knee.”

Weiner is coming off major reconstructive knee surgery and doesn’t practice on Wednesday to keep it rested.