Kendal Daniels made a stunning comeback from a gruesome neck injury to help the Falcons beat the 49ers 29-20 in Week 7.
Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels made a memorable comeback from a gruesome neck injury, helping his team hand the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers their first loss of the season with a 29-20 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. Just one week after suffering the injury, Daniels led Atlanta’s defensive effort with a team-high 11 tackles, intercepted quarterback Brock Purdy and recovered a fumble to lead the Falcons to their first home victory of the season.
The 23-year-old was carted off the field and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital after suffering a knee-to-head collision against the Chicago Bears in Week 6. He remained on the field for about eight minutes before medical personnel euthanized him and took him for evaluation. Fortunately, tests revealed no structural damage or concussion.
Although Daniels returned to the Atlanta facility under his own power after the Bears game, defensive tackle Maason Smith revealed that the rookie was experiencing severe pain. By Monday, he reportedly had difficulty moving his neck from side to side. However, Daniels resumed practice on Wednesday and completed the week of preparation before being cleared to play against San Francisco.
Despite his recovery, Daniels admitted that the incident before kickoff remained on his mind.
“I wasn’t scared, but I really thought about it,” he said. “I wasn’t in full pads all week. What if I wasn’t OK? But once I got my first tackle in the pregame, I was good.”
His concerns didn’t stop him from making a game-changing impact. With the Falcons protecting a 26-20 lead late in the fourth quarter, Daniels read Purdy’s pass intended for wide receiver Jordan Watkins, intercepted the ball and returned it 29 yards. The turnover helped set up a Nick Folk field goal, which extended the Falcons’ lead to 29-20 with less than two minutes remaining.
Daniels later recovered a fumble after safety Jessie Bates III knocked the ball away from tight end George Kittle. The fumble effectively ended the 49ers’ hopes of a comeback and preserved Atlanta’s win.
Daniel also assumed additional defensive responsibilities as veteran linebacker Divine Deablo sat out with an arm injury. He wore the green dot, communicating defensive play calls with his teammates in his seventh career game.
The Falcons defense forced four turnovers, while Daniels received a game ball following the win. Reflecting on the great week, he described the period between his injury and his game-winning plays as the craziest week of his life.
Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels made a memorable comeback from a gruesome neck injury, helping his team hand the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers their first loss of the season with a 29-20 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.