The Washington Commanders are dealing with yet another quarterback problem. Not for the first time during this injury-ravaged season.
Jayden Daniels is on the shelf, and Marcus Mariota is listed as day-to-day after having stitches in his hand while also getting checked for a concussion against the Philadelphia Eagles. That leaves head coach Dan Quinn with just journeyman Josh Johnson and undrafted free agent Sam Hartman potentially available for Christmas Day versus the Dallas Cowboys on Netflix.
That's a problem. And it could lead general manager Adam Peters back to a trusted ally who could slot into the team's plans immediately.
Commanders could bring back Jeff Driskel to solve late-season QB crisis
There is legitimate buzz building around Taylor Heinicke being scooped up for an emotional homecoming. That's on the pipedream side, but signing Jeff Driskel from the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad seems much more viable in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Nobody should expect miracles from Driskel in this scenario. His limitations are apparent, but he'd be a clear upgrade on what Johnson and Hartman would bring to the table if Mariota cannot prove his fitness in time.
Driskel was part of the team last season during their memorable run to the NFC Championship game. He knows Kliff Kingsbury's scheme and is familiar with some of Washington's primary weapons in the passing game. That should keep some semblance of continuity, but whether it would have the desired effect is anyone's guess.
Unlike Heinicke, Driskel has been around an NFL squad this season. He wouldn't provide the same emotional spark, especially among the fan base, but he'd be a lot steadier. And if the Commanders genuinely want to salvage something from their final two games, Johnson and Hartman are unplayable.
Fans should get an answer to this latest injury riddle pretty quickly. The Commanders have a quick turnaround before taking on the Cowboys. Any new arrival would need reps immediately in practice, and time is of the essence. Ideally, Mariota will fight through the pain barrier, but Washington needs a more productive backup option if additional complications arise.
Driskel brings familiarity and scheme knowledge. Heinicke would be a wild-card of epic proportions — something to keep fans engaged amid the almost constant misery this season has provided. It's a desperate situation either way, but the Commanders might value someone they've worked with previously over a memory from a bygone era in Washington.
Time will tell on that, but any move will bury any slim hopes Johnson or Hartman had of imposing themselves.