Commanders down to 3rd-string QB Josh Johnson vs. Eagles after hand injury to Marcus Mariota

The Commanders held a 10-7 lead at the time of Mariota's injury as they tried to spoil Philadelphia's effort to clinch the NFC East title.

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota looks to throw against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota looks to throw against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
ASSOCIATED PRESS

With Jayden Daniels shut down, backup Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota made his eighth start of the season on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

But he left the game in the third quarter, leaving Washington to play third-string quarterback Josh Johnson. 

At the conclusion of a third-quarter drive, Mariota entered a sideline medical tent. He then jogged to the locker room and did not return to the field for Washington's ensuing possession. 

Mariota had a towel over his right (throwing) hand as he jogged off the field. 

The Commanders then announced the Mariota had cleared concussion protocol, but was questionable to return with a hand injury. The precise nature of the injury wasn't initially clear.

The Commanders held a 10-7 lead at the time of Mariota's injury as they tried to spoil Philadelphia's effort to clinch the NFC East title. The Eagles scored a touchdown on their ensuing drive, and Johnson took the field with the Eagles holding a 14-10 lead. 

Category: General Sports