The Washington Commanders are facing a critical quarterback shortage as they prepare to host the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day. Following injuries to both rookie starter Jayden Daniels and veteran Marcus Mariota, the team announced Wednesday that journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson will make his first start as 2021 [[1]]. The Commanders have also moved to sign Jeff Driskel and Sam Hartman to address the position, highlighting the depth issues plaguing the team as they near the end of a disappointing season following their 2023 playoff run.
ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders will turn to veteran quarterback Josh Johnson to start their Christmas Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Dan Quinn announced Wednesday.
The quarterback situation in Washington has become increasingly dire. Jayden Daniels, the team’s rookie signal-caller, is sidelined for the final four games of the season after re-injuring his left elbow. His replacement, Marcus Mariota, suffered a quad injury and needed stitches to his throwing hand during last weekend’s 29-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
This season has unraveled quickly for the Commanders, who finished 12-5 and reached the NFC Championship game last year. Currently 4-11, Washington has lost nine of its last ten games, including a decisive 44-22 defeat in Dallas on October 19. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, making this a late-season game with limited postseason implications.
Washington’s injury woes extend beyond the quarterback position. The team is expected to be without left tackle Laremy Tunsil (oblique) for a second straight game, as well as defensive tackle Daron Payne (back) and linebacker Nick Bellore (concussion).
Daniels, who was named the 2024 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, started seven games but was forced to exit three of them due to injury. Mariota has made eight starts and appeared in eleven games this season.
To bolster the quarterback room, Washington signed Jeff Driskel off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad and is planning to sign Sam Hartman from the Cardinals’ practice squad as an emergency third quarterback. The team also placed starting right guard Sam Cosmi (concussion) and rookie punt returner Jaylin Lane (ankle) on injured reserve.
Johnson, who holds the NFL record for having played for the most teams (14), will be making his tenth career start and his first since 2021 with the Baltimore Ravens. He completed 5 of 9 passes for 43 yards and threw an interception after entering the game in relief of Mariota against the Eagles.
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