Arizona Cardinals and veteran quarterback Jeff Driskel is set to return to Washington Commanders after being signed off the practice squad on Monday morning.
In light of quarterback questions this week, the Washington Commanders made a roster move on Monday morning after signing Jeff Driskel off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, as Ben Standig first report.
This marks a reunion for Driskel in D.C. after he appeared in the 21-18 win vs. New York Giants back on Sept. 15 during the 2024 season, giving both sides familiarity heading into this week’s division matchup. He last attempted a pass in 2023 with the Cleveland Browns, finishing 13-of-26 for 166 yards with two touchdowns and interceptions each in a 31-14 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Washington has already shut down quarterback Jayden Daniels for the final three games of the 2025 season, but further uncertainty loomed after Marcus Mariota exited the second half of Saturday’s home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mariota’s injury pushed Josh Johnson into his first extended appearance in years after he finished 5-of-9 for 43 yards and one interception, watching the offense go stagnant as the Eagles scored 21 straight points to take control of the game.
Head coach Dan noted on Sunday the focus was on Mariota’s health, making Monday’s roster move a potential sign that the Commanders will see a third starting quarterback under center this week.
“The quad and the hand happened on the same play. It was a cleat that got to his hand on the top. But I don’t know yet,” Quinn said Sunday. “[It’s] swollen so I’d say we’re going to call it day-to-day right now of where it’s at, both with the hand and with the quad. Let’s see what tomorrow is and the following day and I’d say by two days from now we’ll have a very good estimate of where he’s at.”
Quinn also teased the idea of looking outside of the organization during his press conference on Sunday ahead of the Christmas Day matchup vs. Dallas.
“I think it’d be difficult at any spot but I think we’re looking let’s see where Marcus [Mariota] is,” Quinn said. “We’re only looking the next two games so that was really kind of our thought behind the discussion of where we are. I would say difficult, but not impossible. But definitely difficult. I think we just saw somebody do it last week or two weeks ago pretty quickly.”
Mariota is one of several injuries the Commanders are battling through with wide receiver Jaylin Lane unlikely to play Thursday after Quinn noted “it would be tough” for the rookie to be available. Quinn added that defensive lineman Jer’Zahn Newton has cleared protocol, making his possible return likely for Thursday. Offensive lineman Brandon Coleman is battling a shin injury.
“We’re hopeful this can turn quickly and he’ll be available for the game.”
Offensive lineman Sam Cosmi, who was in concussion protocol as of Sunday, was placed on the reserved/injured list, effectively ending his 2025 season.
The Washington Commanders will close out the home portion of the 2025 season this Thursday when the two teams kick off for a 1 PM kickoff. The game will be streamed on Netflix.