Veteran QB Josh Johnson to start for Commanders vs. Cowboys

Journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson will start for the Washington Commanders in their Christmas Day home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Washington coach Dan Quinn also confirmed Wednesday that Jeff Driskel, who signed with the team on Monday, will back up Johnson. The Commanders are signing practice squad QB Sam Hartman to the 53-man roster to serve as the emergency third quarterback.

The Commanders put starter Jayden Daniels on injured reserve on Dec. 15, deciding to shut him down for the season after a variety of injuries limited him to seven games this season.

Veteran Marcus Mariota, Daniels' backup, suffered both hand and quad injuries during last Saturday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and will not play. Quinn said there is a chance Mariota could return in the Week 18 finale, also against the Eagles.

Johnson finished 5-of-9 passing for 43 yards and an interception in relief of Mariota last week. The 39-year-old, in his 10th NFL season dating back to his debut in 2009, has played in 48 games with a 1-8 record in nine career starts. That win came in 2018 with Washington.

The Commanders (4-11) and Cowboys (6-8-1) have both been eliminated from playoff contention.