The Washington Commanders will start veteran quarterback Josh Johnson in their Christmas Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The 39-year-old Johnson steps in due to injuries sidelining Marcus Mariota and Jayden Daniels.
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn announced that Josh Johnson will take the helm as the team's third-string quarterback for the holiday showdown with the rival Dallas Cowboys. This decision comes after Marcus Mariota was ruled out with right hand and quad injuries, while rookie Jayden Daniels has been shut down for the remainder of the season.
Johnson, a 39-year-old journeyman who has appeared on the active rosters of 13 NFL teams and played snaps for seven, last saw action replacing Mariota late in the Commanders' 29-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. In that relief appearance, he completed 5 of 9 passes for 43 yards and one interception. He becomes the fourth-oldest starting quarterback this season, trailing only Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers, and Philip Rivers.
Johnson's most notable stint with Washington came during the 2018 season, when he sparked the offense after injuries to Alex Smith and Colt McCoy. Stepping in for Mark Sanchez, Johnson led the team to a 16-13 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15, marking Washington's only win after Smith's injury. Overall, Johnson holds a 1-8 record as a starter, with 2,340 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in his career.
Jeff Driskel will serve as Johnson's backup, with Sam Hartman elevated to the 53-man roster as the emergency quarterback. The Commanders are not alone in turning to a third-string signal-caller for Christmas games; the Minnesota Vikings will start Max Brosmer against the Detroit Lions, and the Kansas City Chiefs will have Chris Oladokun under center versus the Denver Broncos.
This matchup highlights the Commanders' quarterback carousel amid a challenging season, as they seek to end on a positive note against a divisional foe.