Kendal Daniels Seals Falcons Victory With Fourth-Quarter Interception

One week after being immobilized on the field, rookie Kendal Daniels recorded a late interception to help the Falcons defeat the 49ers 29-20.

The Atlanta Falcons defeated the previously undefeated San Francisco 49ers 29-20 on Sunday, led by a game-sealing interception from rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels with 2:42 remaining. Following the turnover, which occurred while Atlanta held a 26-20 lead, kicker Nick Folk converted a field goal to extend the margin to two possessions. Daniels also recovered a fumble forced by safety Jessie Bates III with 57 seconds left in the contest to secure the win.

Daniels finished the game with a team-high nine solo tackles and served as the defensive play-caller, wearing the green dot in place of the injured Divine Deablo. This performance came seven days after Daniels was immobilized by medical staff and transported to Grady Hospital during a Week 6 game against the Chicago Bears. In that previous matchup, he remained on the turf for eight minutes after taking a knee to the head.

Despite the severity of the prior injury, medical evaluations revealed no structural damage or concussion. Although defensive tackle Maason Smith noted Daniels could not move his neck as recently as Monday, the linebacker returned to practice by Wednesday. Head coach Kevin Stefanski noted that Daniels was listed as questionable on the injury report before starting against quarterback Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense. The victory ended San Francisco's undefeated streak while Daniels participated in his first game since being carted off the field.