A nightmarish season for the Washington Commanders finally turned back in the right direction last week, and that momentum appeared to carry into the early portion of Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
With the defense playing better and Marcus Mariota managing the game well, the Commanders looked more formidable than the version of themselves that was shut out by the Minnesota Vikings two weeks earlier.
That momentum was halted when Mariota was forced to head back to the locker room in the second half, putting journeyman Josh Johnson in position to make a rare appearance. He did not return to the game in Washington's 29-18 loss.
Here’s what you need to know about Mariota’s injury and his status going forward.
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Marcus Mariota injury update
The Commanders announced Mariota was evaluated for a concussion and was cleared, but he was questionable to return with a hand injury. The quarterback did not come back into the game.
Mariota went into the medical tent after throwing the ball away and colliding with some of his teammates on the sideline during the third quarter of Sunday's game.
Marcus Mariota is being looked at in the blue medical tent. Pic.twitter.com/bmmrDmSmM1
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 20, 2025
While it's unclear which moment he suffered an injury, Mariota appeared to have a towel over his throwing hand and soon went back to the locker room.
Marcus Mariota out of the #Commanders' medical tent. Has a towel over his right hand.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 20, 2025
After Johnson threw an interception, Mariota returned to the sideline in the second half with a wrap or bandage on his injured hand.
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What happened to Marcus Mariota?
Mariota exited with a hand injury and was evaluated for a concussion after throwing the ball away and colliding with some of his teammates on the sideline.
It's unclear whether Mariota was hurt before going out of bounds, or on that play at all, but he went into the blue medical tent following the play and soon jogged back to the locker room.
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Who is Marcus Mariota’s backup
With Daniels shut down for the remainder of the season after dealing with multiple injuries this season, Mariota is backed up by veteran Josh Johnson.
Johnson has enjoyed one of the most unique careers in NFL history, as he is in his 18th NFL season but has made only nine career starts with just one win. The 39-year-old has been a member of 14 different NFL franchises, an all-time record, though he hasn't appeared in a game with all of them.
Johnson's last NFL start came in 2021 with the Baltimore Ravens.
Commanders QB depth chart
| Rank | QB |
| 1 | Jayden Daniels* |
| 2 | Marcus Mariota |
| 3 | Josh Johnson |
| 4 | Sam Hartman |
* - Shut down for remainder of season.
Mariota has filled in each time Daniels was forced to sit out this season. With Daniels done for the season as the Commanders look toward 2026, Mariota is backed up vt Johnson, with second-year undrafted QB Sam Hartman on the practice squad as Washington's emergency No. 3 quarterback.
Daniels was officially shut down after aggravating an injury to his non-throwing elbow, which followed knee and hamstring injuries that cost him time.
Mariota and Hartman are in their second seasons in the Commanders organization, while Johnson joined Washington in 2025 after a third stint with the Ravens.