Through 7 games in 2025, the Washington Commanders are 3-4. In Week 7, the managers were on the road to face the Cowboys. Dallas won 44-22 against Washington.
During that loss, Commanders’ starting QB Jaden Daniels suffered a hamstring strain. He exited the game early and Marcus Mariota came on to end the contest. NFL officials reported Wednesday that Jaden Daniels will miss Week 8’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Marcus Mariota will be making his third start for Washington this season.
Jaden Daniels will be unavailable as manager in Week 8
Jaden Daniels will be out this week with a minor hamstring strain, according to officials. It’s not a long-term injury, but the commander doesn’t want to risk it.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 22, 2025
After starting all 17 games for the Commanders in 2024, Jaden Daniels hasn’t had the same injury luck. Through Washington’s first seven games of 2025, Daniels has already missed two games with a knee injury. Jaden Daniels injured his hamstring in Week 7 against the Cowboys. The 2024 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year was ruled out of Week 8 due to hamstring tightness. This will be the third game he has missed this season.
Marcus Mariota will replace him as the starting manager starting in Week 8. The 31-year-old is in his 11th year as a pro and his second year in Washington. He has played in three games as manager and started two. Marcus Mariota has 1 win and 1 loss in two starts. Earlier in the season, Mariota led Washington to a 41-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. In Week 4, Mariota and the Commanders lost to the Falcons 34-27.
BREAKING: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels will not play in Monday night’s game against the Chiefs, officials say. @john_keim and @JFowlerESPN. Marcus Mariota will start.
Officials say Daniels is suffering from a mild hamstring strain. It is not considered a long-term injury. pic.twitter.com/7v9pxNmvrF
— ESPN (@espn) October 22, 2025
When Jaden Daniels went down in Week 7, Marcus Mariota replaced him and finished the game. He went 4-10 passing for 63 yards and one interception. Jaden Daniels is currently dealing with a hamstring injury sustained in Week 7. On Wednesday, October 22, Daniels was removed from command. They are on the road for an MNF matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Washington lost to the Cowboys in Week 7 and is 3-4 on the season. According to ESPN Stats and Analytics, the Commanders have a 21% chance of making the playoffs in 2025. Even if the Commanders lose in Week 8, that number will only go down. The team can’t afford to have Jaden Daniels miss extra time. However, Washington needs to consider the long-term health of its starting quarterback.