The Jayden Daniels, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, will not take the field for the Washington Commanders in their Monday Night Football showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 27, 2025 — not because his hamstring injury is severe, but because it’s too risky to rush back. The news broke on Sunday, October 26, at the team’s Ashburn, Virginia, facility, where head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the MRI results showed no structural damage. "It’s not a long-term issue," Quinn said, pausing before adding, "But I don’t know if he’ll be ready next week." That hesitation, more than the injury itself, told the real story: this isn’t just about one player. It’s about the fragile rhythm of a team trying to climb out of a two-game tailspin.
One Injury, Two Stories
While Daniels’ absence grabbed headlines, the quieter, more devastating blow came in the same report: Dorance Armstrong Jr., the 27-year-old defensive end who signed a three-year extension in March 2024, is done for the season. No surgery. No dramatic announcement. Just a quiet note in the injury report: OUT. Armstrong had been the Commanders’ most consistent pass-rusher this year, with 5.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits through seven games. His loss isn’t just statistical — it’s emotional. He was the guy who showed up early, stayed late, and never complained. Now, his 2025 season is over before Halloween.Meanwhile, the offense got some good news. Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. were both cleared to play after being listed as questionable. That’s a lifeline. McLaurin, the team’s emotional leader, and Samuel, the electric playmaker acquired in a midseason trade, form one of the NFL’s most dynamic duos. But without Daniels to find them in rhythm, their impact could be muted. "You can’t just throw it to them and hope," said one assistant coach off the record. "You need a quarterback who can read coverage, buy time, make the right decision. That’s Jayden’s job. And right now, we don’t have him."
The Chiefs’ Side: A Different Kind of Pressure
The Kansas City Chiefs, defending AFC champions and 5-2 entering the game, aren’t exactly healthy themselves. Right guard Trey Smith is doubtful with a knee injury, and rookie Mike Caliendo — a seventh-round pick from 2024 — will start in his place. Offensive tackle Josh Simmons is out entirely. That’s two key linemen gone. The Chiefs’ offense, built on precision timing and Patrick Mahomes’ improvisation, thrives on protection. If the line falters, even a healthy Mahomes can be rattled.Still, the narrative is clear: the Chiefs are favorites. The Commanders are underdogs. And the game — set for 8:15 p.m. ET at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland — carries more weight than just a regular-season matchup. For Washington, it’s about proving they’re not falling apart. For Kansas City, it’s about sending a message: they’re still the team to beat.
What Happens Now?
The Commanders’ next quarterback? Likely Sam Howell, the 2022 fifth-round pick who’s started three games in his career, all in relief. Howell’s best moment came last year against the Eagles, when he threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns. His worst? A four-interception game against the Cowboys. He’s not a long-term answer. But he’s the only one left.Quinn didn’t say it outright, but you could hear it in his tone: "We’ve got to play smarter. Less fancy. More grind." That means more runs by Brian Robinson Jr., more play-action off screens, more reliance on the offensive line — which, ironically, is also banged up. Sam Cosmi is cleared, but Daron Lamont Payne (toe) and kicker Matthew Gay (back) are questionable. One bad snap. One missed field goal. That’s all it takes.
The team’s medical staff plans to re-evaluate Daniels after the game. If he responds well to treatment — ice, massage, light mobility work — he could return as early as November 3, when the Commanders host the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. That’s the real goal: not beating the Chiefs, but getting Daniels back in time to finish the season strong.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about one game. It’s about identity. The Commanders rebranded in 2022 to shed a toxic past. They spent big on Daniels, betting he’d be their franchise QB. Now, after just one full season as a starter, he’s sidelined. The pressure on Quinn, who took over in 2024, is mounting. He’s known for his defensive mind, but now he’s being asked to coach an offense without its engine.And then there’s the elephant in the room: the NFL’s injury protocol. Why was Daniels listed as questionable on Friday, then ruled out on Sunday? Why not just shut him down earlier? Because teams fear losing roster flexibility. Because they don’t want to admit weakness. Because in the NFL, every game feels like a playoff game — even when you’re 3-4.
For fans watching at home, it’s frustrating. For players in the locker room, it’s a test. For Quinn, it’s a moment. He’s not just coaching football. He’s coaching resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Jayden Daniels’ hamstring injury?
MRI results confirmed no tear or structural damage — it’s a Grade 1 strain, the mildest form. Daniels is expected to miss only one game, with a strong chance of returning for the November 3 matchup against the New York Giants. The injury is considered non-long-term, but the team is being cautious to avoid re-injury, especially with a tough stretch of games ahead.
Who will start at quarterback for the Commanders against the Chiefs?
Sam Howell, the 2022 fifth-round pick, is expected to start. He has three career starts, all in relief, and his best performance came against the Eagles in 2024 with 280 yards and two touchdowns. The coaching staff plans to simplify the offense, leaning on the run game and short passes to minimize risk.
Why is Dorance Armstrong out for the season?
The Commanders haven’t disclosed the exact nature of Armstrong’s injury, but it’s believed to be a significant lower-body issue — possibly a torn ligament or chronic tendon damage — that requires surgery and months of rehab. He was their most reliable edge rusher, with 5.5 sacks this season. His absence leaves a major gap on a defense already struggling to generate pressure.
How does this affect the Commanders’ playoff chances?
At 3-4, Washington is already on the outside looking in for the NFC playoffs. Losing Daniels and Armstrong makes it harder. They need to win at least four of their final five games to have a realistic shot. Their next three opponents — Chiefs, Giants, and Eagles — are all above .500. Without Daniels, their ceiling drops significantly.
When will the Commanders’ next injury report be released?
The next official report will be issued on Friday, November 1, 2025, ahead of their game against the New York Giants on Sunday, November 3. Daniels’ participation will be the biggest question mark. If he practices fully on Wednesday and Thursday, he’ll likely be listed as probable. If he’s limited or out, the odds of him playing drop sharply.
What’s the significance of this game being on Monday Night Football?
Monday Night Football is the NFL’s most-watched regular-season broadcast, averaging over 16 million viewers. This matchup — between a rising team and defending champs — carries national weight. For the Commanders, it’s a chance to prove they’re not a fluke. For the Chiefs, it’s a statement game. And for Daniels, watching from the sideline, it’s a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL.