Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels had his jersey cut off of him by medical staff while his teammates were left in tears as he was stretchered off the field during Sunday’s game against the visiting Chicago Bears.
Daniels was taken to Grady Medical Center with a neck injury, according to Fox Sports. Fortunately, he has full movement in all extremities and remained conscious throughout the ordeal.
The rookie linebacker was hurt while making a low tackle on Bears tight end Colston Loveland. After lowering his head to make the stop, Daniels appeared to reach for his facemask before rolling over onto his chest. Emergency medical personnel quickly rushed onto the field as panicked Atlanta players waved for them from Daniels’ side.
Emotional Falcons teammates were seen encircling Daniels as he had his uniform and padding removed. Daniels was then strapped to a backboard and carted away in a frightening scene at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Cameras caught teammates Za’Darius Smith and LaCale London wiping away tears from their eyes.
Although Daniels was securely strapped into the backboard, he did appear to move his right hand as he was taken off the field.
The 23-year-old out of Oklahoma was leading the Falcons with seven tackles on Sunday when he went down in the third quarter.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels had his jersey cut off of him by medical staff before being removed from the field on a stretcher during Sunday’s game
Emotional Falcons teammates were seen encircling Daniels as he was removed from the field
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels (53) lies motionless on the field on Sunday
Drake London #5 and Nick Folk #6 of the Atlanta Falcons react after teammate Daniels’ injury
The Falcons were trailing 21-7 at the time of the injury, and went on to surrender more points to eventually lose 31-23 to the Bears.
Atlanta actually lost two key linebackers on Sunday. In addition to Daniels’ frightening situation, Divine Deablo was removed with an arm issue.
The Falcons already have a number of top players on injured reserve, including cornerback AJ Terrell Jr (groin), edge rusher Jalon Walker (knee), defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand (quadriceps) and linebacker Yasir Abdulla (hamstring).
Although he was just a fourth-round pick, Daniels had emerged as a bright spot in the Falcons’ difficult season, recording 22 tackles and a sack over his first five NFL games.
He played one year at Oklahoma after transferring from Oklahoma State, where he was named second-team All-Big 12 and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.
