On Wednesday, the Washington Commanders announced that 39-year-old Josh Johnson will take the reins at quarterback for their Christmas Day home game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Quarterback Carousel
Washington has already shuffled its backfield twice this season. Jayden Daniels, the 2024 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, was shut down for the final four games after a left-elbow injury worsened. Marcus Mariota, who had started eight games, suffered a quad injury and required stitches in his throwing hand during the 29-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last weekend. With Johnson stepping in, the Commanders are hoping to stabilize the offense before the holiday matchup.
Injury Woes
Injuries have plagued Washington’s roster. The team is likely to be without left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is dealing with an oblique strain, for a second consecutive game. Defensive tackle Daron Payne is sidelined with a back injury, and linebacker Nick Bellore is out with a concussion. On the offensive line, starting right guard Sam Cosmi is on injured reserve with a concussion, and rookie punt returner Jaylin Lane is also out with an ankle injury.
Roster Moves
To shore up the depth chart, Washington signed quarterback Jeff Driskel from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad to back up Johnson. The team also plans to promote Sam Hartman from its own practice squad as an emergency third quarterback. These additions come as the Commanders look to weather the injuries that have kept key players out.
Season Context
Washington finished last season at 12-5 and advanced to the NFC championship game, but the current campaign has been a steep decline. The team sits at 4-11, having lost nine of its last ten games, including a 44-22 defeat in Dallas on Oct. 19. Both Washington and the Cowboys are now eliminated from postseason contention, making the Christmas Day game a battle for pride.
Johnson’s Background
Johnson, who has played for a record 14 teams in the NFL, will make his 10th career start and his first since playing for the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. In his most recent appearance, he completed 5 of 9 pass attempts for 43 yards and threw an interception while replacing Mariota against the Eagles.
Game Outlook
With a veteran at the helm, Washington hopes to improve its offensive consistency against a Cowboys squad that has also struggled. The Commanders will need to keep the injury list as short as possible and rely on Johnson’s experience to guide the offense in a high-stakes, holiday-day environment.
Key Takeaways
- Washington will start 39-year-old Josh Johnson at quarterback for the Christmas Day home game.
- The team has dealt with a series of injuries, including key offensive and defensive players.
- Washington’s season has seen a steep decline from a 12-5 record to a 4-11 standing, with both teams out of playoff contention.
The Commanders face a challenging matchup as they seek to turn around a season that has been marked by injuries and inconsistent play. Johnson’s experience and the added depth from Driskel and Hartman may provide the stability needed to compete in the holiday showdown against the Cowboys.
