Kendal Daniels injury paused Sunday’s game when the Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker was carted off the field in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears.
Daniels was hurt after making a tackle on Bears tight end Colston Loveland and remained down on the turf. Medical staff attended to him for several minutes, secured him to a backboard and transported him off on a cart.
His legs, torso, head and shoulders were stabilized, and as he left the field he raised his left hand in a fist. The Atlanta Falcons continued the game after a lengthy delay.
Kendal Daniels injury sidelines rookie linebacker
As trainers worked, several Falcons defenders took a knee, and eventually the entire Atlanta bench moved onto the field in support. Multiple Bears players also knelt nearby.
Team officials later ruled Daniels out with a neck injury. Similar safety concerns have arisen in other incidents at major sports and entertainment venues, such as when more roller coasters shut down amid probe of fatal Georgia fall.
Daniels, a fourth-round draft pick from Oklahoma, has started six games this season. He entered Sunday with 22 tackles, according to the NFL.
