The Washington Commanders’ season took another tough turn on Saturday, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles at home in a divisional matchup that underscored just how far things have unraveled since their NFC Championship Game run just a year ago. The loss dropped Washington to 4-11, but the bigger headline might be the state of their quarterback room - which is, once again, in flux.
With rookie Jayden Daniels already sidelined, veteran Marcus Mariota got the start. But his day - and potentially his season - was cut short by a hand injury, forcing journeyman Josh Johnson into action.
Johnson, who’s seen just about every corner of the NFL over his long career, finished the game but didn’t offer much spark. He completed five of nine passes for 43 yards and threw an interception - not exactly the kind of performance that inspires confidence heading into the final stretch of the season.
With Mariota's status up in the air and Daniels still unavailable, Washington is making a move to shore up its quarterback depth. The team is bringing back a familiar face, signing Jeff Driskel off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad. Driskel served as Washington’s third-string quarterback last season, so he arrives with at least some familiarity with the system and personnel - a valuable asset this late in the year.
Let’s be real: this isn’t the quarterback carousel Washington envisioned heading into December. But it’s where they are. Johnson didn’t do enough against Philly to solidify himself as the clear-cut option if Mariota can’t go, so Driskel’s addition isn’t just about filling a roster spot - it’s about competition, and maybe even figuring out who gives them the best shot to be functional under center come Week 17.
This quarterback shuffle is just the latest chapter in what’s been a brutal campaign for the Commanders. Injuries have played a starring role all season, none more significant than the one to Daniels, who had been a bright spot before going down. What was once a promising season has been derailed by a revolving door at quarterback and a defense that’s struggled to hold up under the pressure.
Now, Washington faces a short turnaround before a Christmas Day showdown with the Dallas Cowboys - a game that was supposed to be a marquee NFC East clash but now features a Commanders team scrambling to find a healthy passer. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET, and the game will stream on Netflix, which surely hoped for a more star-studded quarterback duel than what’s currently on the docket.
Still, there’s football to be played, and for the Commanders, there’s pride - and evaluation - on the line. Whether it’s Johnson, Driskel, or a surprise twist under center, Washington’s quarterback situation remains one of the most fluid in the league as the 2025 season winds down.