Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys =d2q of the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Entering a Monday night matchup against the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs, the Washington Commanders' season is in serious danger of spiraling down the drain. The Commanders have lost three of their last four games and are coming off a convincing blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys. At this point, Washington might have no margin for error if it still wants to make something of its 2025 campaign.

Unfortunately, the Commanders will have to stay afloat against the Chiefs without their best player.

After tweaking his hamstring during that aforementioned loss to the Cowboys, starting quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss the game against Kansas City. Daniels' absence is undoubtedly a huge deal for a Washington team that relies on him to create so much of its offense. And with the Chiefs starting to hit their stride, a vintage Daniels performance in a possible shootout would've come in handy.

NFL Power Rankings: Colts seem like the only trustworthy team after Week 8

But alas. It wasn't to be.

With a win, the Commanders get back to .500, and their goals this season still feel realistic. With a loss, Washington falls to 3-5, and it's hard to see anything meaningful really happening from this point forward. The thing is, though, that without Daniels against one of the NFL's best teams, the former might be impossible.

Who is Jayden Daniels' backup on the Commanders?

Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota is Daniels' backup, and he will start for the Commanders on Monday night. Mariota is in his second season with Washington.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is Jayden Daniels playing for Commanders on Monday night?

Reporting by Robert Zeglinski, For The Win / For The Win

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect