Serious Neck Injury Overshadows NFL Game

The Atlanta Falcons experienced a shock moment on Sunday (local time). In the game against the Chicago Bears (23:31), rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels suffered a serious neck injury.

In the third quarter, the 23-year-old remained on the ground in great pain after a tackle. Daniels' facemask hit the knee of Bears tight end Colston Loveland. The rookie had to be treated for minutes.

First All-Clear from the Falcons

Medical staff cut open Daniels' jersey and stabilized the linebacker's neck. Daniels was then carried off the field on a stretcher with a cart to thunderous applause.

The Falcons issued a first all-clear. Daniels was conscious and able to move all his extremities.

"We will continue to pray for good news," said Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski in the post-game press conference.