Kendal Daniels goes from being carted off field to saving Falcons’ season
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Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels experienced one of the most remarkable turnarounds of the NFL season, going from being carted off the field on a stretcher to delivering a game-changing performance just seven days later.
Daniels recorded 11 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery in Atlanta’s 29-20 victory over the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The victory improved Atlanta’s record to 3-4 while handing San Francisco its first loss of the season.
Just one week earlier, Daniels suffered a frightening neck injury against the Chicago Bears that required medical personnel to immobilize him before transporting him to Grady Hospital.
However, the rookie returned to practice Wednesday and was cleared to play against San Francisco.
“It’s been the craziest week of my life,” Daniels told ESPN. “I’ve never not walked off the field after an injury.”
Daniels delivered his biggest play with Atlanta protecting a 26-20 fourth-quarter lead.
With approximately three minutes remaining, Daniels intercepted quarterback Brock Purdy and returned the football 29 yards, setting up Nick Folk’s 31-yard field goal.
He later recovered a fumble forced by safety Jessie Bates III, officially ending San Francisco’s comeback hopes.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski praised the rookie’s resilience following the victory.
“That’s remarkable, truly,” Stefanski said. “What a great kid. We just gave him a game ball, and he deserves it because what a week.”
Daniels also handled defensive communication responsibilities with veteran linebacker Divine Deablo sidelined by a forearm injury.
His performance highlighted an Atlanta defense that forced four turnovers against one of the NFL’s strongest teams.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. contributed three touchdown passes and 213 passing yards in the victory.
For Atlanta, the win snapped a two-game losing streak and provided much-needed momentum heading into an important NFC South matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For Daniels, Sunday’s performance represented something even greater: an inspiring comeback that his teammates will remember throughout the season.
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