The Washington Commanders have announced that Josh Johnson will start as quarterback for their Christmas Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. This decision comes after Marcus Mariota was ruled out due to a quad injury sustained during a recent game. Johnson’s start marks the tenth of his career and his first since Week 9 of the 2021 NFL season while playing for the Baltimore Ravens.
Johnson’s previous experience with the Commanders includes a victory in 2018, when he stepped in as a late-season replacement after injuries sidelined both Alex Smith and Colt McCoy. Jeff Driskel has been signed from the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals to serve as the backup quarterback, while Sam Hartman will be promoted from the Commanders’ practice squad to act as the emergency third quarterback.
In addition to Mariota’s absence, Johnson may also be without key offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, who is “unlikely to play” due to an oblique injury, according to Head Coach Dan Quinn. Quinn noted Johnson’s “lots of versatility” and “plenty of experience,” an important factor as the team prepares for a critical game.
At 39 years old, Johnson has played for 14 different franchises in his ten-year career, including stints in various alternative football leagues. Reflecting on his journey, Johnson remarked, “It’s a stressful journey, not one I would wish on anybody. I’m embracing it with gratitude and trying to be a light for this team.”
Johnson stepped in for Mariota during the third quarter of last Saturday’s 29-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. After Mariota sustained injuries to both his quad and right hand, which required stitches, Johnson completed 5 of 9 passes for 43 yards and one interception. Prior to joining the Commanders, Johnson threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns in a 2021 game against the Indianapolis Colts while with the New York Jets.
Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury praised Johnson’s adaptability gained from his time with multiple teams, stating, “He’s a very accurate player, and the ball tends to go to the right spot when he is in there.” This adaptability is crucial as the Commanders gear up for the high-stakes game against their divisional rivals on December 25, 2023.
