Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels was stretchered off the field in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears after a helmet-to-knee collision while making a tackle. Daniels, a fourth-round draft pick from Oklahoma, remained on the ground for several minutes before being strapped to a board by medical staff and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for further evaluation. His legs, body, head, and shoulders were stabilized during the process. Daniels was ruled out with a neck injury after showing movement in all his extremities and making a fist with his left hand en route to the hospital.
Medical staff attended to Daniels immediately after the tackle, with trainers securing him to a gurney before he was placed on a cart. The entire Falcons bench and multiple Bears players knelt on the field during the evaluation, demonstrating mutual respect as Daniels was attended to. FOX Sports broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt noted during the game that Daniels had moved his extremities, indicating consciousness and reducing concerns about severe spinal trauma. The Falcons later confirmed in a statement that Daniels was alert and had movement in all his extremities.
Daniels, who has started six games this season and entered Sunday with 22 tackles, was drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. His injury occurred during a tackle on Bears tight end Colston Loveland, where his helmet made contact with Loveland’s knee. The play resulted in a successful tackle, but the collision left Daniels visibly in pain as teammates gathered around him. Falcons players and coaching staff circled their rookie, with some observed praying as medical personnel worked to stabilize him. The incident was described as a "scary scene" by broadcasters, though initial assessments suggested no immediate life-threatening concerns due to Daniels’ responsiveness.
The Falcons have not provided further updates on Daniels’ condition as of the latest reports. The team’s medical staff will continue evaluations to determine the extent of the injury and next steps for his availability.