Kendal Daniels Leads Falcons to Win One Week After Hospital Trip

A quick comeback after a scary moment

Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels made the game sealing play on Sunday. He intercepted a pass with 2:42 remaining while Atlanta held a 26-20 lead. His big play led to a Nick Folk field goal, securing a 29-20 victory over the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers.

The performance came just seven days after Daniels left the field on a cart. During a Week 6 match against the Chicago Bears, he took a knee to the head and laid on the turf for nearly eight minutes. Medical personnel immobilized him and rushed him to Grady Hospital.

Calling the plays and making big stops

Despite the scary moment, tests showed Daniels had no structural damage and no concussion. He was back in the locker room after the Bears game walking on his own. However, defensive tackle Maason Smith said Daniels was so sore on Monday that he could not turn his neck.

By Wednesday, Daniels was back at practice. He was listed as questionable on the injury report, but he played a massive role against coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy.

Linebacker Divine Deablo missed the game with a forearm injury. That forced Daniels to wear the green dot and call the defense. Head coach Kevin Stefanski called his effort remarkable.

Daniels finished with nine solo tackles. After his late interception, safety Jessie Bates III forced a fumble that Daniels recovered with 57 seconds left.

Tight end Kyle Pitts praised the rookie, calling him a warrior. Daniels said mentally he had to prepare to not play timid. Rookie Harold Perkins Jr. celebrated with him by slapping the back of his head, and Daniels joked with a smile that he was not thinking about his neck at all.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL, Sun, 01 Nov): Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 49%, Atlanta Falcons win 51%; projected score Tampa Bay Buccaneers 22, Atlanta Falcons 21. Our safest pick: Falcons +8.5.