Johnson took over due to injuries to starter Jayden Daniels and second option Marcus Mariota, who will not play in Week 17.
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Quinn said Jeff Driskel will serve as the Commanders’ backup quarterback against the Cowboys. He also announced that the Commanders will promote Sam Hartman from their practice squad. Hartman will serve as the Commanders’ emergency third quarterback on Thursday in Landover, Maryland.
Daniels, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an elbow injury on December 15, last played on December 7. The 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year completed 60.6% of his throws for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions in seven appearances during his sophomore season. He also ran for two touchdowns.
Mariota completed 61.2% of his throws for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 appearances this season. He completed 7 of 14 passes for 95 yards on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles before leaving due to hand and quad injuries.
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Johnson completed 5 of 9 passes for 43 yards and an interception in relief of Mariota. The NFL journeyman completed 58% of his throws for 2,340 yards, 13 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in 48 career appearances.
Quinn said he is hopeful Mariota can recover and return to the Commanders in Week 18.
The Commanders (4-11) will host the Cowboys (6-8-1) at 1 pm EST on Thursday at Northwest Stadium. They will face the Eagles again in the season finale on Jan. 4 in Philadelphia.