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Commanders Name Josh Johnson Starter for Christmas Day vs. Cowboys

On a short week, Washington prioritized experience at quarterback after injuries thinned the depth chart.

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
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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Overview

  • Head coach Dan Quinn ruled Marcus Mariota out for Thursday with a quad injury and stitches in his throwing hand.
  • Jeff Driskel, signed this week, will be the No. 2 quarterback, and Sam Hartman was promoted to the 53-man roster as the emergency QB3.
  • Jayden Daniels remains shut down for the season with a left elbow injury, and Johnson will make his first NFL start since 2021 and 10th career start.
  • Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said the staff favored veterans over Hartman due to the short preparation window and prior NFL game experience.
  • Washington enters at 4-11 and hosts Dallas at 1 p.m. ET, with key absences also including left tackle Laremy Tunsil, defensive tackle Daron Payne and special-teamer Nick Bellore.