Kendal Daniels seals Atlanta Falcons victory one week after injury

Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels secured a victory over the undefeated San Francisco 49ers on October 25, 2026, by making a crucial late-game defensive play. Fox News and ESPN reported that Daniels made his key play in the final minute of the fourth quarter to seal the win. Fox News, Yahoo Sports, and ESPN differ slightly on the exact nature of the turnover, with Fox News and ESPN citing an interception while Yahoo Sports described it as a fumble recovery. [1][3][5]

The performance came seven days after Daniels was stretchered off the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium following a hit during a Week 6 game, according to Fox News. Yahoo Sports and ESPN reported that Daniels was taken to the hospital with a neck injury during that game. Despite the scary situation, he was cleared to play the following week against San Francisco. [1][3][5]

The Atlanta Falcons were leading by nine points late in the fourth quarter before the defensive stop, Fox News reported. Daniels is a professional linebacker who played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Oklahoma Sooners before the Falcons selected him in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL draft. [1][7]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, the 49ers entered the contest facing roster shortages due to injuries to key players, including Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Mike Evans. The victory handed the previously unbeaten 49ers their first loss of the season. [1][9]