The Washington Commanders will be wrapping up their 2025 season this weekend with a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Here are three storylines to watch over the coming days.
1.The quarterback situation.
Josh Johnson handled himself well during the Commanders' Christmas game against the Dallas Cowboys last weekend, putting up single-game numbers (15-of-24 for 198 yards) that were among the best of his career. "There was a lot that I liked," Quinn said of Johnson's performance, and the fact that the quarterback made solid decisions despite having just five days of preparation gives Quinn confidence that Johnson could handle himself with another opportunity to start.
That seems to be the way Quinn is leaning in terms of who will start at quarterback in Philadelphia, assuming Marcus Mariota is unavailable. Mariota, who injured his hand and quad in the first matchup with the Eagles, did not participate in Monday's walkthrough, and his status for the rest of the week is uncertain. Quinn wants to see Mariota "cut and stop and start" at full speed before inserting him back into the lineup. Quinn is "hopeful" that happens this week and will revisit the issue on Wednesday.
The Commanders have not decided yet on who would be the backup quarterback if Johnson does play. Their options are veteran Jeff Driskel, who served as the primary backup last week, and Sam Hartman, who was signed to the active roster prior to last Thursday's game.
2. Will the younger players get more snaps?
Teams eliminated from postseason contention are often asked about whether they will rest their starters in favor of getting younger players more reps. That hasn't come up internally, Quinn said, and it's not something they're considering this week. If players are healthy enough to participate, they will be expected to do so.
As for whether Washington's players will get more playing time, Quinn said it's fair to give them more opportunities if they have earned them. That could come with more snaps, but it could also include them being featured in different situations that they haven't played in as much this season.
Washington has already had to play a lot of their younger talent thanks to the litany of injuries the team has experienced all season. Players like Treylon Burks, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Ben Sinnott have all seen their snaps increase with veterans being placed on Injured Reserve. Many of them, like defensive tackle Johnny Newton, have stood out with the extra opportunities. Newton, for example, recorded three sacks and nine tackles during the Commanders' game against the Cowboys.
The Commanders have made it clear they are playing to win in Philadelphia. They want to give themselves the best chance to compete, and if that means playing younger players, they will do whatever they can to incorporate them into the game plan.
3. Moves on the offensive line.
Speaking of injuries, several players on the offensive line are dealing with issues that either could or will keep them out of Sunday's game. Tyler Biadasz, who left last week's game, suffered ankle and knee injuries. Biadasz will not require surgery at this time, Quinn said, but the veteran center will likely be unavailable.
Things are murkier with left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Tunsil can move straight ahead, but turning and torquing is difficult for him, so much so that Quinn cast doubt on him playing this weekend if his condition remains the same. The Commanders will have more answers on Tunsil's health later in the week.
Though not ideal, the Commanders do have an answer for how to replace Biadasz and Tunsil. Brandon Coleman has stepped up in Tunsil's absence and played well in the role he had last season. As for Biadasz, the Commanders put in former starting guard Nick Allegretti, who also has experience playing center.
The offensive line has been a strength for the Commanders all season, thanks to the investments they made in the offseason to bolster the position. Quinn has confidence that if they need to pull from the group's depth that the offense will be able to function against a talented Eagles defense.
