Record-Setting Journeyman Josh Johnson Joins Commanders as Emergency QB—Can the NFL’s 25-Team Veteran Ignite a Late-Season Surge?

Veteran quarterback Josh Johnson is back in the national spotlight after replacing an injured Marcus Mariota during the Washington Commanders’ Week 11 clash with the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. The 39-year-old signal-caller entered midway through the third quarter when Mariota absorbed a punishing double hit and was slow to rise, forcing Washington to turn to its emergency option under center. Johnson’s cameo underscores both his remarkable longevity and the Commanders’ mounting injury woes. Originally a fifth-round pick in 2008, the University of San Diego product has now suited up for a record 14 NFL franchises—yet 2025 had seen him inactive every week until Sunday. Washington listed Johnson as its No. 3 quarterback behind rookie Jayden Daniels and backup Mariota all season, activating him only in the league’s revised “emergency QB” role that allows a third passer to dress but not count against the 48-man game-day limit. That contingency plan proved crucial once Mariota exited. Although the veteran starter returned after a brief evaluation, Johnson’s readiness averted a potential crisis and reminded fans why his phone keeps ringing year after year. Across 16 seasons, he has appeared in 40 regular-season games (13 starts), posting 2,458 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 78.4. His well-travelled résumé includes recent stints with the 49ers, Ravens, Jets, and Broncos before he re-signed with Washington on a one-year deal in April. The Commanders’ quarterback depth chart remains fluid. Daniels (ankle) is targeting a post-bye return, but if his rehab stalls and Mariota’s mid-game knock lingers, head coach Dan Quinn may elevate Johnson to primary backup—or even starter—against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Washington’s staff has praised Johnson’s grasp of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s system, a scheme he first learned while backing up Kyler Murray in Arizona. Beyond Washington, Johnson’s resurgence resonates with playoff hopefuls across the league. Teams navigating November injuries often scour practice squads for experienced passers, and no one boasts more live snaps in diverse offenses than Johnson. If the Commanders ultimately pivot to youth, he could still land elsewhere before the December roster freeze. For now, though, the journeyman stays ready in burgundy and gold, proving once again that in the NFL’s most precarious position, experience is everything—and Josh Johnson has plenty to spare.