The Washington Commanders are struggling in the 2025 season with a 3-4 record. But they got an even bigger blow with the injury to quarterback Jayden Daniels. It has made their Week 8 game against the Kansas City Chiefs even tougher.

He will miss the Week 8 game against the Chiefs because of a hamstring injury. He did not practice all week. Daniels recently injured his hamstring after a sack by Shemar James in the Cowboys game. He limped to the sideline, spent time in the medical tent, and eventually headed to the locker room for evaluation. Replays showed him grabbing the back of his right leg, and medical analysts suggested he might have also strained his posterior meniscus.

Jayden Daniels previously missed two weeks with a left knee injury and has struggled with nagging injuries this season. Before leaving the Cowboys game, he had completed 12 of 22 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown while rushing eight times for 35 yards and another score. In 5 games this season, Daniels has thrown 8 touchdowns to 1 interception and has a 97.7 passer rating. The Commanders expect him to return in Week 9 if the injury heals as planned.

Backup Marcus Mariota replaced him during the game and struggled, throwing an interception returned for a touchdown.

Tight end Colson Yankoff misses the game with a hamstring injury. He practiced limited on Friday, October 24, but did not practice Saturday. Yankoff contributes mostly as a blocker. Defensive tackle Daron Payne is questionable with a toe injury. He did not practice all week. Payne helps the defensive line generate pressure. He has 26 tackles (11 solo) and 1 sack in 7 games of the 2025 season.

Guard Sam Cosmi has a back injury. He missed Thursday’s practice but practiced fully on Friday and Saturday. Cosmi strengthens both pass protection and run blocking.

Kicker Matt Gay is questionable with a back issue. He did not practice on Saturday. Gay has made 10 of 14 field goals and all 18 extra points this season. His availability is important for scoring in close games.

Wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. practiced fully all week and are healthy. McLaurin has 10 receptions for 149 yards in three games, while Deebo has 34 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns in six games. Both are the Commanders’ main offensive weapons.

Linebacker Bobby Wagner practiced fully and is healthy. He leads the team with 73 tackles (33 solo) and 2 sacks and provides leadership on defense.

The Chiefs are also struggling with their ace receiver on the injury list.

Jayden Daniels’ Week 8 rivals, the Chiefs, are battling injuries

WR Xavier Worthy, the wide receiver, practiced fully but remains listed as unspecified. He has 16 catches for 180 yards and one touchdown in five games. He also ran the ball six times for 66 yards and one touchdown. Worthy missed two games earlier this season with a shoulder injury and recently received an $11,593 fine for taunting. He can provide a key receiving option if active.

OT Josh Simmons, the offensive tackle, misses the game due to a personal issue. He did not practice on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. His absence affects the offensive line and reduces protection for Patrick Mahomes.

RB Kareem Hunt, the running back, struggles with ankle and knee injuries. He missed Thursday’s practice, practiced lightly Friday, and practiced fully Saturday. Hunt has rushed 53 times for 205 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry, and scored one rushing touchdown. He also caught 7 passes for 55 yards. If he plays, he contributes significantly to the Chiefs’ running game alongside Isiah Pacheco.

Guard Trey Smith, the guard, hurt his back and did not practice all week. He is doubtful for the game. Smith’s absence weakens the offensive line and may affect both pass protection and run blocking.

Brashard Smith, the running back, practiced fully all week despite the toe injury. He has rushed 22 times for 67 yards and no touchdowns. He also returned 12 kickoffs for 322 yards. Brashard steps in as a backup and can see more touches if Hunt or Pacheco struggles.

Defensive end Charles Omenihu and cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace both practiced fully this week despite dealing with ankle and abdomen injuries, and a hand injury, respectively. Offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, who has knee and shoulder issues, and defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, recovering from an elbow injury, both participated fully, as did cornerback Jaylen Watson, who returned from a back injury to practice fully.

With Jayden Daniels out, the Chiefs have a better probability of winning.