Jayden Daniels Injury Update: Will the Commanders QB Play vs. Chiefs After Hamstring Strain?

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s 44-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The second-year signal-caller went down in the third quarter after being strip-sacked by linebacker Shemar James, prompting immediate concern on the sideline. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Daniels’ injury comes as another setback in what has been an inconsistent start to his sophomore campaign. The Commanders’ young quarterback, who missed two games earlier this season due to a knee sprain, will now undergo further evaluation ahead of the team’s upcoming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 27.

Jayden Daniels Injury Update and Latest Medical Evaluation

According to team sources cited by Reuters and ESPN, initial scans revealed no major structural damage in Daniels’ left hamstring. The injury has been categorized as a low-grade strain, meaning it is not expected to sideline him long-term. However, head coach Dan Quinn and the Commanders’ medical staff are expected to rest him through Week 8 to avoid aggravation.

Daniels suffered the injury on a first-and-10 play inside Cowboys territory, where he was stripped of the football by Shemar James and remained down clutching his left leg. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota replaced him for the remainder of the contest, finishing 4-of-10 passing for 63 yards and one interception that resulted in a pick-six for Dallas.

The Commanders were already trailing 34-15 at the time of Daniels’ exit. Following the defeat, Quinn told reporters that the team would “evaluate his progress day by day” but emphasized that Washington would not rush him back. “We’ve seen hamstring injuries linger when players push too early,” Quinn noted during Monday’s press conference.

Daniels has now missed three games this season—two due to his earlier knee injury and one upcoming due to the current strain. In six games this year, he has thrown for 1,031 yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception, along with 211 rushing yards and a rushing score.

Impact on Commanders’ Offense Ahead of Week 8

Daniels’ potential absence will force the Commanders to turn once again to veteran Marcus Mariota, who has served as the team’s primary backup. Mariota brings experience and mobility but lacks the explosive dual-threat capability that defines Daniels’ playstyle. Washington’s offensive rhythm has heavily relied on Daniels’ ability to extend plays and create on the ground, a dynamic that could be missing against the Kansas City Chiefs’ aggressive defense.

The Commanders currently sit at 3-4 on the season and face a crucial stretch of games before their Week 12 bye. Losing Daniels for even one more contest could affect their playoff hopes in a tightly contested NFC race. If his recovery progresses as expected, he could be ready to return in Week 9.

In short, the Jayden Daniels injury update provides cautious optimism. The MRI confirmed no serious damage, but his Week 8 absence is almost certain. The Commanders will need Mariota to hold the line as their star quarterback focuses on recovery.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Will Jayden Daniels play vs. the Kansas City Chiefs?

No. The Commanders are expected to hold Daniels out for Week 8 after confirming a hamstring strain. He could return in Week 9 if recovery continues smoothly.

Q2: How serious is Jayden Daniels’ hamstring injury?

The injury is considered low-grade with no structural damage. Team officials have labeled it a short-term setback.

Q3: Who will start for Washington in Daniels’ absence?

Marcus Mariota is expected to start against the Chiefs while Daniels recovers. He previously filled in during the Week 3 matchup against the Chargers.

Q4: What is Jayden Daniels’ current 2025 season stat line?

Daniels has thrown for 1,031 yards, eight touchdowns, and one interception, along with 211 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Q5: Could Daniels aggravate the injury if rushed back?

Yes. Hamstring strains are prone to recurrence, so the Commanders’ staff will prioritize full recovery before allowing him to return.