Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to pass the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Oct. 19, 2025.

The Washington Commanders were unable to beat the Dallas Cowboys in a Week 7 rivalry clash. Making matters worse, the team also lost starting quarterback Jayden Daniels to a hamstring injury during the contest.

Daniels' injury occurred in the third quarter while he was trying to avoid a sack. The team originally ruled him "questionable" to return but later ruled him out for the remainder of the contest.

The Commanders have already been without Daniels for two games after he suffered a knee injury in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. Will the NFL's reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year be forced to miss more time after his latest malady?

Here's what to know about Daniels' timetable to return from his hamstring injury as the Commanders prepare for a key, Week 8 date with the Chiefs on "Monday Night Football."

How long is Jayden Daniels out?

Commanders coach Dan Quinn told reporters Daniels' hamstring injury is "not significant or long-term" during a Monday media availability.

"I don't know the status for Monday night just yet," Quinn said, addressing Daniels' status for the Commanders' "Monday Night Football" game against the Kansas City Chiefs. "I'll have a better sense as I get closer to it."

Quinn initially told reporters during a postgame news conference he would have more information about Daniels' injury on Monday.

"He definitely wanted to go back in," Quinn said of Daniels. "He'll get an MRI on his hamstring tomorrow."

While Daniels wanted to return to the game, Quinn clarified the 24-year-old quarterback could not have played following his injury regardless of the score.

Jayden Daniels injury update

Daniels suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter of Washington's 44-22 loss to Dallas. It occurred when he was sacked by Shemar James, who twisted the quarterback to the ground awkwardly.

Daniels briefly remained down before hobbling off to the sideline for medical attention. He was first treated in the blue medical tent before behind sent to the locker room for further evaluation.

The Commanders ruled Daniels out for the remainder of Sunday's game shortly after he initially exited. He finished the day having completed 12 of 22 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown while adding 35 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Who is the Commanders backup quarterback?

Marcus Mariota is the Commanders' backup quarterback and would take over for Daniels if the second-year starter needs to miss time.

Mariota has a 35-41 record across 76 career starts, including a 1-1 mark in relief of Daniels this season. The 31-yera-old veteran completed 4 of 10 passes for 63 yards and an interception after replacing Daniels on Sunday, and added 34 yards on two scrambles.

Mariota has completed 35 of 58 passes (60.3%) for 426 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions this season. He has also added 94 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Commanders QB depth chart

The Commanders have four quarterbacks in their organization at present, including three on their 53-man roster. Below is a look at the pecking order among the group:

  1. Jayden Daniels
  2. Marcus Mariota
  3. Josh Johnson
  4. Sam Hartman (practice squad)

Johnson, 39, has played for 14 different teams during his NFL career and is in his second stint with the Commanders. He has a 1-8 record across nine NFL starts and has completed 58.1% of his passes for 2,297 yards, 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Hartman was signed by the Commanders as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has never thrown a regular-season pass at the NFL level.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How long is Jayden Daniels out? Injury update, timeline for Commanders QB

Reporting by Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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