With a short week and a quarterback room in flux, the Washington Commanders are navigating some serious turbulence heading into their Christmas Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury spoke to reporters ahead of Tuesday’s practice, offering insight into the team’s plan under center - and the decisions that have shaped it.
Quarterback Carousel: Who’s Up Next?
Saturday’s game against the Eagles left the Commanders battered, and now they’re likely turning to their third-string quarterback. Marcus Mariota, who stepped in after injuries earlier in the season, is dealing with a stitched-up hand and a quad injury - not ideal for a short turnaround. That leaves veteran Josh Johnson and recently signed Jeff Driskel as the next men up.
Driskel, who joined the team Monday off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, isn’t exactly a stranger to Washington’s system. He served as the team’s QB3 last season and brings a level of familiarity that could prove crucial with limited prep time. He’s expected to be active, possibly even splitting reps or taking over if Johnson struggles.
As for Sam Hartman, the rookie remains on the practice squad, and Kingsbury made it clear there’s no plan to thrust him into the spotlight - not this week, anyway. “It wouldn’t be fair to Hartman,” Kingsbury said, noting that asking a young quarterback to make his first NFL start on a short week with minimal reps isn’t the right move.
That makes sense. In a league where preparation is everything, tossing a developmental QB into the fire against the Cowboys' pass rush is a recipe for disaster.
Josh Johnson: Veteran Presence, Short Leash
All signs point to Johnson getting the nod as the starter - at least initially. The 37-year-old journeyman has been in this league long enough to know the drill, and while he may not bring the flash of a franchise quarterback, he offers stability and experience in a chaotic situation.
Still, Kingsbury didn’t rule out a quick hook if things go sideways. With Driskel’s knowledge of the offense, the leash on Johnson could be tight.
Kingsbury's Future: More Than Just This Week
Naturally, the conversation turned to Kingsbury’s own future. With head coaching vacancies already beginning to emerge across the league, his name is bound to surface in some circles. But Kingsbury kept things close to the vest, sticking to the well-worn script of “just focused on this week” and “getting the quarterbacks ready.”
That said, it’s worth remembering that Kingsbury turned down interviews - and even an offer from the Saints - last offseason. He chose instead to return to Washington, aiming to build on a promising stretch with Jayden Daniels at quarterback.
But that plan hit a wall this year. Injuries to Daniels and key wideouts derailed the offense, and with the team out of playoff contention, Kingsbury’s stock has taken a hit.
He’s still getting paid from his previous extension with the Cardinals, so he’s not in a rush to jump at the next opportunity. But after a frustrating season, it wouldn’t be surprising if he takes a harder look at head coaching gigs once the dust settles.
The Bigger Picture
For now, though, the Commanders are focused on navigating a tough situation at the most important position in football. With Johnson likely under center and Driskel waiting in the wings, Washington will try to piece together a game plan against a red-hot Cowboys defense that doesn’t give an inch.
It’s not the ideal setup for Christmas Day football, but it’s where the Commanders find themselves - leaning on experience, hoping for execution, and looking to salvage something meaningful from a season that’s slipped away.