Marcus Mariota Fantasy Overview

Commanders QB Josh Johnson will start Thursday's game vs. Cowboys, HC Dan Quinn said. QB Jeff Driskel will be the backup, with QBs Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota ruled out. Johnson has been bouncing around the NFL since 2009 but hasn't started a game since 2021 with the Ravens. He's 39 years old. Despite the plus matchup against Dallas' 32nd-ranked QB defense, Johnson isn't a recommended start in any fantasy format. The matchup keeps Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel in WR3 range in the Week 17 rankings.

Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (right hand, quad) did not practice on Tuesday. He hasn't been ruled out for Thursday's game vs. the Cowboys, but we'd be surprised if he played. QB Josh Johnson is the likely starter for that one. The 39-year-old's last NFL start came in 2021.

Commanders QB Marcus Mariota injured his right (throwing) hand in the third quarter of Saturday's game vs. the Eagles and did not return. He was also checked for a concussion but was cleared. QB Josh Johnson replaced Mariota, completing 5 of 9 passes for 43 yards and an INT. We'll look for further updates on Mariota's injury. Washington already said QB Jayden Daniels won't play again this season, so we could be looking at a Johnson-led offense for the final two weeks of the season. That'd be a big downgrade for the pass catchers.

The Commanders have decided to shut down QB Jayden Daniels for the final three games of the season, according to multiple reports. That means Marcus Mariota will start the rest of the way.