Veteran QB Josh Johnson to start for Commanders vs. Cowboys
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 Journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson will start for the Washington Commanders in their Christmas Day home game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Washington coach Dan Quinn also confirmed Wednesday that Jeff Driskel, who signed with the team on Monday, will back up Johnson. The Commanders are signing practice squad QB Sam Hartman to the 53-man roster to serve as the emergency third quarterback.
The Commanders put starter Jayden Daniels on injured reserve on Dec. 15, deciding to shut him down for the season after a variety of injuries limited him to seven games this season.
Veteran Marcus Mariota, Daniels' backup, suffered both hand and quad injuries during last Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and will not play. Quinn said there is a chance Mariota could return in the Week 18 finale, also against the Eagles.
Johnson finished 5-of-9 passing for 43 yards and an interception in relief of Mariota last week. The 39-year-old, in his 10th NFL season dating back to his debut in 2009, has played in 48 games with a 1-8 record in nine career starts. That win came in 2018 with Washington.
The Commanders (4-11) and Cowboys (6-8-1) have both been eliminated from playoff contention.
--Field Level Media
- UFC Vegas 118 Betting Picks: Three Fights to Target on Saturday Night
- MLB Picks Today: Two Pitchers Set Up To Fall Short On Outs Props
- MLB Pitcher Props Today: Best Bets for June 3rd
- NBA Finals Game 1 Best Bets: Knicks vs. Spurs Predictions and Player Props
- Stanley Cup Final Game 1 Best Bets: Hurricanes vs. Golden Knights Picks
- Knicks vs. Spurs Game 1 Props: Three Best Bets for the NBA Finals
- MLB Picks Today: Best Bets for Orioles vs. Red Sox and Royals vs. Reds
