Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels was carted off the field during Atlanta's 31-23 loss to the Chicago Bears after a neck injury, but remarkably returned to the locker room under his own power after the game. With the Bears leading 21-7 in the third quarter, Daniels dove to tackle Colston Loveland, colliding his head with the tight end's left leg near the knee. Medical personnel stabilized his neck before loading him onto a cart, and the team confirmed he had movement in all extremities.
Daniels was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for evaluation before walking back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium postgame. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. praised Daniels' spirit, noting he said, 'Y'all go finish this off' before being helped off. Coach Kevin Stefanski expressed relief, stating, 'Those are no fun for anybody...
Kendal is a kid we all love, we all respect.' The fourth-round draft pick out of Oklahoma had been a starter since Week 1, wearing the green dot as defensive playcaller. Josh Woods took over the green dot in his absence.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing