Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Jayden Daniels Injury Update – Commanders QB To Be Sidelined for Week 8 MNF, Marcus Mariota To Start Against Chiefs

Washington loses star QB Jayden Daniels again as hamstring injury sidelines him

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss his third game of the season when his team faces the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year sustained a minor hamstring strain during last Sunday’s 44-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Daniels had previously missed time this year with a knee sprain, and his latest setback will keep him out as Marcus Mariota steps in under center once again.

#Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, who suffered a low-grade hamstring strain on Sunday, is going to be out for MNF against the #Chiefs, sources say.

Marcus Mariota gets the start. pic.twitter.com/PKyM3OUX4R
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 22, 2025

Mariota Steps In, Commanders Eye Stability

This marks Daniels’ third absence in eight weeks, a worrying pattern for a Washington side still searching for rhythm after a promising last year. While the injury isn’t considered serious, his continued unavailability has disrupted the Commanders’ offensive side and limited their ceiling. In seven appearances this season, Daniels has completed 61.0% of his passes for 1,031 yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception, providing brilliance when healthy.

Mariota, meanwhile, will make his third start of the year, holding a 1-1 record in his previous two outings. He’s completed 64.6% of passes for 363 yards, tossing three touchdowns and one interception, and will be tasked with keeping Washington competitive against a red-hot Kansas City side.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels expected to miss Week 8 vs. Chiefs. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/Hy0Ku6oDjd
— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2025

The 3-4 Commanders face a daunting test in primetime against the 4-3 Chiefs, who are coming off back-to-back wins and recently welcomed Rashee Rice back into their offense. The wideout immediately made an impact, catching two touchdowns in his season debut against the Raiders. Patrick Mahomes and company appear to be rounding into form just as Washington searches for answers at quarterback.

While Washington has impressively won three straight Monday Night Football games, this one will require near perfection without Daniels’ dual-threat dynamism. Still, team sources suggest optimism that the injury is minor, meaning Daniels could return soon after the team’s Week 9 matchup.

Breaking: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will not play in Monday night's game against the Chiefs, a source told @john_keim and @JFowlerESPN. Marcus Mariota will start.

Daniels is suffering from a low-grade hamstring strain, a source said. It is not considered a long-term injury. pic.twitter.com/7v9pxNmvrF
— ESPN (@espn) October 22, 2025

For now, the Commanders will rely on Mariota’s experience and composure to navigate a high-pressure road test in Arrowhead. A win would keep their playoff hopes alive and buy valuable recovery time for their young franchise star.

Mandatory Image Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

2025

Jayden Daniels

NFL

Washington Commanders

Rudra Dubey

nfl

mma

I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.