Full Breakdown
Injuries Sideline Two Rising NFL Quarterbacks in Week 2
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Simultaneous Injuries to Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels
In Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season, the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders each lost their starting quarterback. Caleb Williams was carted off in the fourth quarter of the Bears’ 9-3 loss to the Vikings after a non-contact right-hamstring injury. Jayden Daniels left the Commanders’ matchup with the Cowboys after dislocating his left elbow just before halftime. Both injuries forced the teams to rely on backups—Tyson Bagent for Chicago and Marcus Mariota for Washington.
Background & Context
Williams entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024 and helped Chicago win the NFC North in 2025, setting a franchise record with 3,942 passing yards. Daniels, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, started the 2026 season as Washington’s presumed leader. Their injuries came after early-season expectations: the Bears after a 59-37 win over the Panthers, and the Commanders after a 37-20 loss to Dallas that featured a late-half go-for-it play.
Data & Statistics
- Caleb Williams (Bears) – 15-of-26, 138 yards, 1 INT; 5 carries for 42 yards.
- Tyson Bagent (Bears backup) – 5-of-9, 54 yards; sacked on the final play.
- Jayden Daniels (Commanders) – 11-of-17, 96 yards, 1 TD; 7 rushes for 69 yards.
- Marcus Mariota (Commanders backup) – 11-of-16, 111 yards, 1 TD.
Official Statements & Responses
Bears head coach Ben Johnson said an MRI the next day would confirm the injury’s severity and noted relief that it appeared to be a hamstring rather than a knee issue. He said Williams remained “in good spirits.”
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn reported X-rays showed no fracture and expected Daniels to return later in the season. He defended the go-for-it play before halftime, emphasizing aggression against Dallas.
On-the-Ground Reports
Chicago receivers described the moment Williams went down as unprecedented. Washington teammate Terry McLaurin called the injury “a brother” moment and noted the locker-room’s emotional reaction. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Riff called the injury a classic over-striding hamstring strain, noting the non-contact mechanism was “reassuring” compared with ligament damage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m actually happy it’s nothing with the knee.” — Ben Johnson, Bears coach
- “This was, really, sort of an overstriding-type injury, and that is classic for a hamstring strain,” — Dr. Riff, orthopedic surgeon
- “I’ve never seen him go down like that and be down like that,” — Rome Odunze, Bears receiver
- “Just trying to score before half, and he went down.” — Dan Quinn, Commanders coach
- “Early in my career you try to suppress those feelings and emotions,” — Marcus Mariota, Commanders backup
What’s Next
- Caleb Williams will have an MRI on Monday; the Bears expect a one-to-three-week recovery for a strain or up to six months if a tear is confirmed.
- Jayden Daniels is slated for additional imaging and is expected to miss several weeks, with a later-season return anticipated.
- Tyson Bagent is projected to start the Bears’ Week 3 game against the Eagles.
- Marcus Mariota will continue as Washington’s starter until Daniels is cleared.
Both teams now face the immediate challenge of adjusting offensive game plans while their franchise quarterbacks recover.