Last week, Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels had a frightening moment when he was stretchered off the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium after a hit. Remarkably, one week later, Daniels not only returned to the game but made a crucial play to help the Falcons defeat the previously unbeaten San Francisco 49ers.
The Falcons led by nine in the fourth quarter, despite not being expected to win against the 49ers, who had performed strongly at the season’s start. With under a minute left, San Francisco’s Brock Purdy was in desperation mode when tight end George Kittle caught a wide-open pass. As Kittle advanced, Falcons safety Jessie Bates III tripped him, causing Kittle to lose the football. Daniels quickly seized the loose ball, securing the win for Atlanta and improving their season record to 3-5, while handing the 49ers their first loss.
Daniels also recorded a career-high of 11 tackles, nine of them solo. He wasn’t done turning over the ball. He made a perfectly timed interception by tipping a pass from Purdy in the field’s center, nearly taking it back for a touchdown before being forced out of bounds.
The Falcons forced four turnovers from the 49ers during their matchup. Reflecting on the previous week, Daniels, a fourth-round draft pick from Oklahoma, expressed relief at being able to play. During a game against the Chicago Bears, Daniels was injured after a hit that appeared to snap his neck back. Medical staff responded immediately, and Daniels was stretchered off as a precaution, though he was conscious and could move his extremities.
Days later, Daniels was back at practice and cleared to play against the 49ers. His return was significant, contributing greatly to the team’s success. Daniels was grateful for his recovery and the opportunity to make impactful plays.
“I scared a lot of people. It was a scary play,” Daniels stated, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I’m blessed to come out how I did.”
Next week, Daniels and the Falcons will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an important NFC South matchup. The Buccaneers recently recovered with a solid win over the Carolina Panthers.
Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
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