Will

Svitek

“I think Sam has a long future with us,” said Smith, suggesting Baker’s 2011 struggles were purely the result of a mid-season back procedure. Baker will have to hold off Will Svitek for the starting job, and it sounds like the Falcons are pulling for him to do so.

The Falcons made the change on their official depth chart. Although they say it’s because Baker’s back still isn’t 100 percent, the truth is that Svitek is playing too well to remove from Matt Ryan’s blind side. Baker was limited to special teams duties in Week 12.

Baker was playing like one of the league’s worst left tackles, so we’re not so sure the move from him to Will Svitek will cause a downgrade. Baker also missed eight games in 2008, his rookie year, with a herniated disc near his spinal cord, an injury that required “discectomy” surgery. If Svitek plays well, it’s not crazy to think that Baker would lose his job permanently.

Svitek appears to have “pipped” Baker, who started the first six games of the year at left tackle. “Will has been in there and has played well. In our minds, he gave us the best opportunity to win this week,” said coach Mike Smith. Svitek hasn’t allowed a sack in any of the last five games despite facing the likes of Dwight Freeney, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Will Smith, Jason Jones and Jared Allen.

The Falcons’ swing tackle, Svitek appeared in all 16 games last season, and made 10 starts in place of LT Sam Baker, who missed four games with injury. It’s a blow for the Falcons’ on-the-rise passing attack, but shouldn’t be a major issue if Baker can stay on the field. Baker started all 16 games in 2010.

Baker has chronic back issues, but he’s at least temporarily regained his starting job now that he’s healthy. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, he’ll look to reestablish his value before gaining unrestricted free agency next offseason.

Svitek took over as the starter down the stretch last season, but the Falcons attribute Baker’s 2011 troubles to a mid-season back injury. Garrett Reynolds continues to work as the first-team right guard, though he’s expected to be pushed by veteran Vince Manuwai and rookie Peter Konz.

Will Svitek would get the start if Baker can’t go. Pass protection has been a major issue in Atlanta through six weeks. Baker’s absence would complicate matters against the Lions’ fierce pass rush.

In the league since 2005, Svitek missed all of 2012 with an upper-arm injury, but was the Falcons’ swing tackle in 2010-11. He started 10 games in place of Sam Baker at left tackle in 2011. Svitek provides cheap, veteran insurance for a team that’s been in a holding pattern with free agent RT Sebastian Vollmer. Svitek may compete with Marcus Cannon for “swing” duties in Pats camp.

Svitek, signed as a free agent in March, hasn’t been much more than a swing tackle-type since entering the league in 2005. Veteran Dan Connolly has been slow to recover from shoulder surgery, and Marcus Cannon has missed the last couple weeks with an undisclosed injury. Svitek started the first two preseason games, but has received a poor run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.