Commanders QB Marcus Mariota ruled out; Josh Johnson to start Sunday

Field Level Media|published: Fri 2nd January, 13:57 2026

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson (14) practices before the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders will finish off an injury-riddled and disappointing 2025 season with a second consecutive start from third-string quarterback Josh Johnson on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn officially ruled out backup QB Marcus Mariota (hand/quad) for the second straight game when talking to reporters Friday. Starter and 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels was shut down for the season on Dec. 15 after appearing in only seven games because of knee, hamstring and elbow injuries.

Johnson, 39, is in his second stint with Washington (4-12), one of seven different teams he's played for since he was a fifth-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

In his first start since 2021 against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day, he completed 15 of 23 for 198 passing yards with 10 rushing yards in a 30-23 home loss.

Over 49 career games (10 starts), Johnson is 228-of-390 passing (58.5%) for 2,538 yards, 13 touchdowns and 17 interceptions with 436 rushing yards and one score.

Mariota, 32, has played in 11 games as Daniels' replacement, going 2-6 as a starter. He has completed 139 of 227 passes (61.2%) for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also has rushed 50 times for 297 yards and one touchdowns.

The Commanders have lost 10 of their last 11 games since a 3-2 start. Quinn also announced that starting offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (oblique) will miss his third straight game on Sunday against the host Eagles (11-5).

--Field Level Media

Latest