When is Jayden Daniels coming back? Hamstring recovery timeline, return date for Commanders star QB

Teddy Ricketson

When is Jayden Daniels coming back? Hamstring recovery timeline, return date for Commanders star QB image

The Washington Commanders will once again be without quarterback Jayden Daniels in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season. Washington will turn to backup quarterback Marcus Mariota against the Kansas City Chiefs for "Monday Night Football."

Daniels missed two games earlier in the season due to a knee strain. He returned for three games, but then suffered a hamstring strain against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. There was hope that Daniels wouldn't miss the Week 8 game against the Chiefs because the quarterback said he wanted to go back into the Week 7 game, but with Washington down 22 points, head coach Dan Quin kept him out. 

Daniels didn't practice during the week and was ruled out early, so the offense could concentrate on Mariota getting first team reps and preparing him for Kansas City. 

Here is the latest on Daniels and when he could return for the Commanders. 

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When will Jayden Daniels return?

During the FOX NFL pregame show on Sunday, analyst Jay Glazer said that Daniels was going to test his hamstring in workouts. He added that Washington thinks that he has a chance to return in Week 9. 

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Is Jayden Daniels out for the season?

No, not at this point. If Daniels ends up rushing his way back and re-aggravates the hamstring injury, it could end up costing him more time. At this point, the quarterback is not being considered for injured reserve. If he is added to IR, he will be forced to miss at least four games. 

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Is Jayden Daniels playing today?

No, Daniels is not playing against the Chiefs. He was ruled out earlier in the week, paving the way for Mariota to start in his place. Of the Commanders' eight games, including Monday night, Daniels will have missed three of them. 

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What is Jayden Daniels' injury?

Daniels is dealing with a hamstring injury.  The severity of the injury is unclear, and reports suggests that it will be short-term, barring him re-aggravating it. For now, it is considered a hamstring strain until further intel is revealed from either Washington or Daniels himself. 

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Commanders remaining 2025 schedule

WeekOpponent
8at Chiefs
9vs. Seahawks
10vs. Lions
11vs. Dolphins (Madrid)
12BYE WEEK
13vs. Broncos
14at Vikings
15at Giants*
16vs. Eagles*
17vs. Cowboys*
18at Eagles*

*indicates NFC East divisional games 

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