Commanders Turn to Veteran Quarterback Josh Johnson in Pivotal Matchup Against Cowboys In a surprise move, the Washington Commanders have announced that 39-year-old journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson will start their crucial Christmas Day home game against the Dallas Cowboys. With the Commanders' playoff hopes hanging by a thread, this decision by head coach Ron Rivera represents a significant gamble as his team looks to keep their postseason dreams alive. Johnson, who has bounced around the NFL since being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008, will be making his first start for the Commanders. The veteran quarterback has filled in as a backup for various teams over the years, but has rarely been entrusted with the starting role. His last significant playing time came in 2018 when he started three games for the Buccaneers, throwing for 590 yards, three touchdowns, and five interceptions. The decision to go with Johnson comes after the Commanders' regular starting quarterback, Carson Wentz, was placed on injured reserve with a finger injury, sidelining him for at least the next four games. Wentz's backup, Taylor Heinicke, has been the starter for most of the season, but his inconsistent play has been a source of frustration for Commanders fans. By turning to the experienced Johnson, Rivera is hoping to provide a steadying presence under center as his team navigates a critical stretch of the season. The Commanders currently sit at 7-6-1, clinging to the final wild card spot in the NFC. With a daunting schedule ahead, including matchups against the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns, the Commanders need to find a way to win games if they want to secure a playoff berth. Johnson's arrival could not come at a more important time for the Commanders. Their Week 16 clash with the division-leading Cowboys (10-4) will have major implications in the NFC East standings. A win would pull the Commanders within one game of Dallas and keep their hopes of winning the division alive, while a loss would all but eliminate them from the race. The veteran quarterback is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having made stops with numerous teams over his 14-year career. However, leading the Commanders to victory against the talented Cowboys roster will be a significant challenge. Dallas boasts one of the league's most fearsome defenses, led by star pass rusher Micah Parsons, and an offense that can overwhelm opponents with the dynamic duo of quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Tony Pollard. Despite the daunting task ahead, Johnson is embracing the opportunity to be the Commanders' starting quarterback, even if it's just for one game. "I'm excited to get out there and compete," Johnson said during Wednesday's press conference. "This is what I've been preparing for my whole career, and I'm ready to give it my all for this team and these fans." Rivera expressed confidence in Johnson's ability to step up and lead the Commanders' offense, noting the veteran's wealth of experience and familiarity with the team's system. "Josh has been with us for a while now, and he's shown that he can come in and execute the gameplan," Rivera said. "We believe he gives us the best chance to win this week against a tough opponent." The Commanders' decision to start Johnson over the more inexperienced Heinicke is a calculated risk, but one that could pay dividends if the veteran quarterback can recapture the magic that made him a respected backup throughout his career. With the stakes so high and the Commanders' playoff hopes on the line, this Christmas Day showdown against the Cowboys could very well define the trajectory of their season. As the Commanders faithful prepare to pack FedExField for the holiday clash, they'll be hoping that Johnson can channel his past experience and pull off a signature upset against their NFC East rivals. If he can lead the Commanders to victory, it would be a monumental win that would keep their postseason aspirations alive and potentially set the stage for an improbable playoff push in the final weeks of the season.