The Washington Commanders’ 2025 season has taken another tough turn - and this one stings a little extra. Saturday’s home loss to the Eagles wasn’t just another tally in the loss column; it was a snapshot of a team that’s been battling adversity from every angle, especially under center.
With Jayden Daniels already sidelined, Marcus Mariota got the start against Philadelphia. But his time on the field was cut short due to injury, adding yet another name to the Commanders’ growing list of unavailable quarterbacks.
That left veteran journeyman Josh Johnson to finish the game. He went 5-for-9 for 43 yards and threw a pick - not exactly the kind of performance that inspires confidence heading into a critical Week 17 matchup.
So, Washington is making moves. The team is signing Jeff Driskel off the Cardinals’ practice squad - a familiar face who served as the Commanders’ QB3 last season. With Mariota’s status up in the air and Daniels still out, Driskel provides much-needed depth and, potentially, a live arm to compete for playing time in the days ahead.
Let’s be honest: Johnson didn’t offer much spark in his limited action, and with the team sitting at 4-11, there’s not much room for error. Whether Driskel is just an emergency option or someone who could actually see the field, Washington needs bodies - and fast. The quarterback room is running on fumes.
This season has been a far cry from last year’s surprise NFC Championship run. Injuries have derailed any momentum the Commanders hoped to carry over, and losing Daniels - the dynamic rookie who had fans dreaming big - has been the biggest blow of all. Without him, the offense has lacked rhythm, identity, and, most importantly, production.
Now, the Commanders are staring down a short week and a Christmas Day showdown with the Dallas Cowboys. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
ET, and the game will be streamed on Netflix - a platform that was banking on some holiday star power from the NFL. Instead, they’ll be showcasing a patchwork quarterback situation and a Washington team just trying to stay upright.
It’s not the ideal holiday script, but it’s the reality for the Commanders. With injuries piling up and just two games left, the focus now shifts to evaluation, resilience, and maybe - just maybe - finding a spark to finish the season with some pride.