A tough season for the Washington Chiefs will now see a third starting quarterback take the field.
Journeyman Josh Johnson will start for Washington on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys with backup Marcus Mariota out, head coach Dan Quinn said Wednesday. Jeff Driskel, who was signed this week, will be the backup.
With starter Jayden Daniels dealing with a left elbow injury and sidelined for the rest of the season, Mariota took over, but he injured his quad and hand in the Commanders’ Week 16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mariota didn’t practice all week, so it’s no surprise that Johnson is now taking over.
Johnson, a man of many jerseys, will now start for the first time since the 2021 season with the Baltimore Ravens. However, Johnson started three games for Washington in 2018. He has started for Washington, Baltimore, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the years, but played with many more teams.
He has appeared in three games so far this season with Washington, completing 5 of 9 passes for 43 yards and an interception.
The 39-year-old is next for Washington as it works its way through a disappointing campaign after the NFC Championship Game in 2024.
Johnson and the Commanders (4-11) kick off against the arch-rival Cowboys (6-8-1) at 1:00 PM ET to kick off Christmas drama on Netflix on Thursday.