The highly anticipated Week 8 matchup between the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders is just around the corner, and all eyes are on the quarterback showdown between Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels. The excitement surrounding this game stems from the fact that both quarterbacks were the top two picks in the NFL draft, making this their first face-off in the league.

Amid uncertainty about his Week 8 availability, Commanders’ quarterback took to Instagram with a powerful four-word message: “You Matter to God.” Daniels’ words hit home, leaving fans buzzing as they await his return to the field against the Bears. Despite the injury, his message was as much about resilience as it was a subtle nod to staying grounded.

However, the buzz surrounding the game has been dampened by injury concerns surrounding the Commanders’ QB. Jayden Daniels suffered a rib injury during their Week 7 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The injury occurred when Daniels took a hard tackle while sliding down during a rushing attempt. Fortunately, X-rays revealed no fractures, but he’s still experiencing pain in his rib cartilage.

His status for the Week 8 game remains uncertain, with the Commanders listing him as questionable. Despite returning to practice on Friday, NFL insider Mike Rapoport suggests that Daniels’ chances of playing are slim, citing the importance of mid-week practices for quarterbacks. As Daniels himself put it, “It’s football. At the end of the day, things happen. Sometimes you might have to fight through something, but if you could go, you can give it your all and be smart about it.”

If Jayden Daniels doesn’t recover in time, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota will step in to lead the Commanders. Mariota proved his worth in the Commanders’ 40-7 win over the Panthers, throwing for 205 yards and two touchdowns. In the meantime it must be noted that its not only Daniels who is uncertain. Other player of both the team’s starters are in doubts.

Bears vs. Commanders Injury Report: Key defensive starters ruled out

As the Washington Commanders prepare to face the Chicago Bears at Commanders Field this Sunday, October 27, at 4:25 p.m. ET, both teams have some notable names on their injury reports, especially on the defensive side. Chicago has ruled out two of its defensive starters: Jaquan Brisker (concussion) and Kyler Gordon (hamstring). Brisker’s presence has been crucial for the Bears with 40 tackles, a sack, and an interception this season, while Gordon has tallied 33 tackles and half a sack.

The Bears will be watching three more players listed as questionable, including defensive lineman Jacob Martin (toe) who fully participated in practice, but his availability remains uncertain. Running back Travis Homer (finger), offensive lineman Larry Borom (ankle), and veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis (rest) all managed to complete practice but still await clearance to suit up. Meanwhile, Bears head coach expressed optimism, saying they “pushed [the players] hard this week” to gauge their readiness for Sunday.

For the Commanders, standout offensive tackle Brandon Coleman (concussion) has been ruled out, a tough loss as Washington looks to protect its offense against a resilient Bears’ defense. Several Commanders players, including defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. (rib) and center Tyler Biadasz (thumb), were limited in practice and carry questionable tags going into game day.

With key defenders missing, both teams will be looking for younger players to step up.