The Washington Commanders will be in primetime in Week 8, taking on the Kansas City Chiefs for "Monday Night Football," but may have to do so with a change under center.
Second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels is dealing with another injury. He picked it up toward the end of the Commanders' loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. Daniels injured his hamstring, but further evaluation confirmed it isn't a severe injury. Head coach Dan Quinn even added that Daniels wanted to go back into the game, but in the 44-22 Week 7 loss, there wasn't a point to rush him back in.
While the good news is that Daniels avoided a serious hamstring injury, there is still concern that he won't be able to play in Week 8. He and Washington do get an extra day of rest, not playing the Chiefs until Monday night, but it remains to be seen if that will be enough for him to be game-ready.
MORE NFL WEEK 8:
Here are the latest updates on whether or not Daniels will be able to play on Monday night against the Chiefs in Week 8.
Is Jayden Daniels playing this week?
We don't know yet. The quarterback received a favorable diagnosis after an MRI showed he didn't sustain a severe hamstring injury. He will get an extra day to rest up, with Washington not playing until Monday night, and will get his first chance to take the practice field on Thursday.
It is worth noting that Daniels had a minor knee sprain earlier this season and was considered day-to-day. He ended up missing two games because of it.
MORE: Ranking the greatest Commanders players of all time
Jayden Daniels injury update
Daniels left the Week 7 matchup with Dallas in the third quarter. He was twisted awkwardly in a sack by Shemar Jones, and was unable to return. The good news is that Quinn said that the QB's MRI results show that he avoided a "significant or long-term" injury.
With the extra day of rest, Washington is expected to practice for the first time in Week 8 on Thursday. Don't be surprised if Daniels gets even more rest to begin the week. It would be a sign that he could play Monday night if he logged even a limited practice by Saturday and was tagged at least questionable for the game.
MORE:Details on Jayden Daniels' hamstring injury suffered in Week 7
Who is Jayden Daniels' backup?
Daniels' backup is veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota. He filled in under center for Daniels when he went down against Dallas in Week 7, and in Weeks 3 and 4 when the starter was ruled out.
So far this season, Mariota has thrown for 426 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. He has added 94 yards and another score on the ground. Mariota is 1-1 starting, and will look to pick up a big win against Kansas City Monday night if Daniels can't play.
MORE: Why does Daniels have two flag decals on his helmet?
Commanders QB depth chart
Position Player
1 Jayden Daniels
2 Marcus Mariota
3 Josh Johnson