NFL roster spots are too valuable to mess around.
Now multiply that by 10, and you have NFL quarterback roster spots. Might Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota needto go on injured reserve and miss at least four games? Might he be lost for the season? We certainly hope not, but that is the reality of quarterbacks looking downfield, being so often defenseless and thus getting injured.
If the Commanders need to go out and get another quarterback, please be honest about Sam Hartman. They went out and signed another quarterback late last year and immediately elevated him (Josh Johnson) over Hartman. Translation? They know Hartman can’t play and didn’t want him to play.
Now, Hartman did have a much better preseason in 2026 than he did in 2025.
So, perhaps they might elevate Hartman to the third quarterback next week, if Jayden Daniels is actually available. If the Commanders do need another quarterback, whom might they pursue?
- Josh Johnson: Started the final two games of 2025 for Washington and thus has worked recently with OC David Blough.
- Jeff Driskel: Worked under Blough with the Commanders in 2024 and was back for a brief spell last season.
- Jimmy Garoppolo: Has the most experience behind center of any of the other still-available quarterbacks.
In the meantime, the Commanders will fly back Sunday night and get Mariota some additional testing Monday, so they know what type of injury and to what degree Mariota is injured. It’s hard to believe, but just seven days ago, Washington coaches, players, and fans were all excited about how well Mariota led Washington to a 33-31 win over the Seahawks, as he passed for three touchdowns with no interceptions.
Life moves fast in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 3 veteran quarterbacks Commanders could pursue after Marcus Mariota's injury
