Falcons Rookie Kendal Daniels Seals Win Over 49ers a Week After Being Carted Off
Kendal Daniels had the game-sealing interception and a fumble recovery as Atlanta handed San Francisco its first loss, seven days after he was immobilized and taken to the hospital
One week after he was immobilized on the field and taken to Grady Hospital, Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels made the play that handed the 49ers their first loss of the season.
Daniels picked off Brock Purdy with 2:42 left and Atlanta ahead 26-20, setting up a Nick Folk field goal that made it a two-possession game in a 29-20 win. He also recovered a Jessie Bates III forced fumble with 57 seconds left and led the Falcons with nine solo tackles.
"It's been the craziest week of my life. I've never not walked off the field after an injury. So, mentally, I had to be prepared... being stretched off the field -- I won't let it happen again."
— Kendal Daniels
Against the Bears in Week 6, Daniels lay on the turf for nearly eight minutes after taking a knee to the head and left on a cart. He had no structural damage or concussion, and he was back in the locker room walking on his own after that game. Defensive tackle Maason Smith said Daniels was so sore the next day he couldn't turn his neck, but he practiced by Wednesday, was listed questionable and then started Sunday. With Divine Deablo out with a forearm injury, Daniels also wore the green dot and called the defense.