The Sports Xchange

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — With the release of left tackle Sam Baker, the Atlanta Falcons have purged 72 percent of the 53-man roster that took the field against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 20, 2013.

“He did a great job for the team and really worked hard in his rehab,” Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said. “At the end of the day it came down to a football decision we made together, (general manager) Thomas (Dimitroff) and myself, and we moved on from Sam.”

With Baker starting all 16 games at left tackle, the Falcons went 13-3 in 2010 and 2012. He was drafted 21st overall in the 2008 draft and started 60 of 71 games that he played.

Injuries were a factor as he played only four games over the past two seasons.

“Sam was a huge part of what we did,” Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said. “He was a productive part of this team and helped us win a lot of games. He’ll be missed.”

The Falcons are set to move forward with Jake Matthews, the sixth overall pick in the 2014 draft, at left tackle.

After the 2012 season, the purge started with such stalwarts as defensive end John Abraham and running back Michael Turner.

The cuts have continued.

Of the starting offense against the 49ers, only wide receiver Julio Jones, wide receiver Roddy White, right guard Peter Konz and Ryan remain.

Gone, but not forgotten, are Baker, left guard Justin Blalock, center Todd McClure, right tackle Tyson Clabo, tight end Tony Gonzalez, Turner and wide receiver Harry Douglas.

On the defense, only defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and safety William Moore remain.

–Falcons wide receiver Roddy White was held out of the first day of practice at the team’s minicamp so that an undisclosed injury did not flare up, according to Quinn.

Safety William Moore (shoulder), linebacker Brooks Reed (hamstring), center/guard Joe Hawley (knee), tackle Jake Matthews (foot), cornerback Jalen Collins (foot) and guard/center Peter Konz (knee) all took part in the practice.

Moore got some action in the 7-on-7 drills.

“You feel the size and presence of him,” Quinn said of Moore.

Linebacker Marquis Spruill, who is coming back from knee surgery, did not practice, and guard Jon Asamoah (ankle) and cornerback Dezmen Southward (knee) also did not practice. Asamoah worked out with the training staff.

–Kick returner Devin Hester was not at practice. He was excused for personal reasons and may or may not be at practice on Wednesday.

–Former Ball State quarterback Keith Wenning was on hand for a minicamp tryout. He’s wearing jersey No. 4.