Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels was stretchered off the field on Sunday with what looked like a serious neck injury. But it turns out that Daniels is just fine.
Coach Kevin Stefanski said before today’s practice that Daniels is cleared to practice and is not in the concussion protocol.
“Doing a lot better. He will practice today, he’ll move around. We’ll see how it goes this week,” Stefanski said.
The injury happened when Daniels tackled Bears tight end Colston Loveland, and Daniels’ facemask collided with Loveland’s knee. Daniels stayed down and got medical attention for several minutes, while teammates knelt and were visibly upset. Eventually Daniels was put on a stretcher and taken off the field on a cart. His jersey was cut off by by the medical personnel on the scene and his neck was immobilized. He appeared to be conscious and moving a hand. The Falcons quickly announced that he was out of the game with a neck injury.
Given that, it’s remarkable that Daniels is ready to go three days later. But he’s on the practice field today.