The Washington Commanders will finish a disappointing, injury-riddled 2025 season with a second straight start for third-string quarterback Josh Johnson on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn officially ruled out backup quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand/quad) for the second straight game when he spoke with reporters Friday. Starter and 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels was shut down for the season on Dec. 15 after playing in just seven games due to knee, hamstring and elbow injuries.
Johnson, 39, is in his second stint with Washington (4-12), one of seven different teams he has played for since he was a fifth-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft.
In his first start since 2021 against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day, he completed 15 of 23 for 198 passing yards including 10 rushing yards in a 30-23 home loss.
In 49 career games (10 starts), Johnson completes 228 of 390 passes (58.5%) for 2,538 yards, 13 touchdowns and 17 interceptions with 436 rushing yards and one score.
Mariota, 32, played in 11 games as Daniels’ backup, going 2-6 as a starter. He completed 139 of 227 passes (61.2%) for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed 50 times for 297 yards and a touchdown.
The Commanders have lost 10 of their last 11 games since a 3-2 start. Quinn also announced that starting offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (oblique) will miss his third straight game Sunday against the host Eagles (11-5).
–Field level media
