Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels delivered the game-sealing interception to secure a 29-20 victory over the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. This performance came one week after Daniels was immobilized by a head injury against the Chicago Bears, an incident that saw him placed on a cart and rushed to Grady Hospital. Despite the scare, Daniels returned to practice by Wednesday and started Sunday wearing the green dot, calling plays for the defense.
Coach Kevin Stefanski called his return "remarkable," noting Daniels called the defense and made a crucial play against his former mentor, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. Daniels recorded nine solo tackles and a fumble recovery during the game. His interception with 2:42 remaining and a subsequent Nick Folk field goal extended Atlanta's lead.
Fellow rookie linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. celebrated the play with Daniels, who downplayed his earlier injury, stating he wasn't thinking about it during the final moments. The win marks a significant turnaround for the Falcons after a scary medical incident.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing