The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Chiefs are riding high after a commanding 31–0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Commanders enter the matchup struggling, having lost three of their last four games.

On top of that, quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss the game due to a low-grade hamstring strain, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Thursday. Daniels underwent an MRI on Monday, which showed no long-term damage to his right hamstring, but the team is taking precautions to prevent further injury against the Chiefs, according to reports.

In his place, Marcus Mariota will make his third start of the season.

Aside from the QB, Tight End Colson Yankoff will miss the game with a hamstring injury. He practiced limited on Friday, October 24, but did not practice on Saturday.

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. 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.