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Commanders Name Josh Johnson Christmas Day Starter vs. Cowboys

Mariota’s hand and quad injuries on a short week prompted the move after Washington shut down Jayden Daniels for the season.

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Josh Johnson #14 of the Washington Commanders runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Northwest Stadium on November 2, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
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Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson (14) prepares to throw the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Head coach Dan Quinn said Marcus Mariota will not play Thursday, confirming 39-year-old Josh Johnson as the starter against Dallas.
  • Jeff Driskel will be the backup, and Sam Hartman will be elevated as the emergency third quarterback for the game in Landover.
  • Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said it would be unfair to start Hartman on a short week without live reps, a position that drew pushback from local media and fans.
  • Johnson, the NFL journeyman who holds the record for most teams played, went 5-of-9 for 43 yards with an interception in relief against the Eagles and will make his first start since 2021.
  • Washington is 4-11 and out of playoff contention, with additional injuries ruling out Daron Payne, Laremy Tunsil and Nick Bellore; kickoff is 1 p.m. ET on Christmas Day.