The Washington Commanders have been one of the most injury-plagued teams in the league this season. Star quarterback Jayden Daniels was recently shut down for the season, and Marcus Mariota was named the starter.
However, Mariota suffered an injury in Week 16, and journeyman Josh Johnson came into the game. It seems Mariota’s injury could keep him out of Week 17, as the Commanders brought in a familiar face at quarterback on Monday.
Commanders Reunite with Former Quarterback After Mariota Injury
In Week 16, the Commanders took on the Philadelphia Eagles. The Commanders actually got off to a hot start, but the Eagles dominated in the second half and escaped with a 29-18 win.
Mariota threw for 95 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions before leaving with a hand injury. Johnson threw for 43 yards with one interception in relief of Mariota.
On Monday, Commanders reporter Ben Standig reported that the Commanders are signing veteran quarterback Jeff Driskel off the Cardinals’ practice squad.
The Commanders are signing QB Jeff Driskel off the Cardinals practice squad, per source.
Driskel served as Washington’s QB3 last season. Now back as depth piece with Marcus Mariota (hand) uncertain for Week 17 and Jayden Daniels sidelined.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 22, 2025
Driskel spent the 2024 season as Washington’s QB3. The veteran appeared in one game for the Commanders but didn’t attempt a pass. Driskel latched on with the Las Vegas Raiders last offseason but was released and ended up on the Cardinals’ practice squad.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport thinks the Commanders’ decision to sign Driskel could point to Mariota being out for Week 17 and Johnson getting the start.
A sign that Josh Johnson could be starting against the #Cowboys. https://t.co/reDl4kBqSl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 22, 2025
Johnson and Driskel have both bounced around the league. Johnson has played for 14 different teams in his career, while Driskel has appeared in a game with six different squads.
Mariota has played well in Daniels’ absence. The veteran quarterback has a 75.0 grade from PFSN’s QB Impact ranking in 2025.
Commanders Looking to End Disastrous Season on Positive Note
Not much has gone right for the Commanders in 2025. The team made the NFC Championship Game in 2024, but injuries have ruined the team’s season this year, and they sit at 4-11.
The Commanders’ final two games of the season are against the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles clinched the NFC East title in Week 16, and the Cowboys have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
The playoffs have long been out of the picture for the Commanders, so the hope now is that they can end the season on a positive note.
