Injury-riddled Commanders look to cap lost season with win over Eagles’ backups

Commanders coach Dan Quinn opened the season with the hope that Sunday’s season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles would have postseason implications after the two squads met in last year’s NFC championship game. It won’t. 

Both teams are starting backup quarterbacks. Third-string journeyman Josh Johnson is expected to lead Washington’s offense for the second consecutive week, while the Eagles — who have already clinched the NFC East title — will likely start third-year quarterback Tanner McKee over Jalen Hurts. 

Philadelphia will rest several starters, according to multiple reports. The Eagles are treating the regular-season finale as a bye week as they prepare to defend a Super Bowl title. 

“If I look back at how beneficial some of the byes that we’ve had have been, that’s part of the reason why you think through it. It’s a marathon of a season,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “You give your guys some rest, you get some time to think through some different things, even though you’re preparing for an opponent as you go.”

The Eagles could play for seeding. A win, coupled with a loss by the Chicago Bears, could bump Philadelphia from the No. 3 seed to the second spot. That would guarantee them at least two home games if they win their first postseason matchup. 

Meanwhile, Washington is plugging its depth chart out of necessity. The once-promising Commanders have been decimated with a seemingly unending slew of injuries. 

Johnson is stepping up after second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a season-ending elbow injury. Commanders coach Dan Quinn said usual backup Marcus Mariota is “doubtful” to play Sunday as he deals with a quad issue. 

Washington will also miss three starters on the offensive line. Guard Sam Cosmi was sent to injured reserve last week with a concussion. Center Tyler Biadasz joined him after suffering knee and ankle injuries during the Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil is a “long shot” to play with an oblique issue, according to Quinn. 

“By no means are we at full strength, nor are most teams in the NFL during Week 18, but what I do love is the number of guys that are really hungry for this opportunity, chance to compete together,” the second-year coach said. “We had so many players miss time that they want a chance to express themself and to prove it.”

Terry McLaurin is still firmly in “prove it” mode. The Commanders’ top pass-catcher received a hefty $97 million contract extension this offseason following a highly publicized holdout. Since then, he has missed seven games with a quad injury. 

The 30-year-old is on pace to finish with fewer than 900 receiving yards for the first time in his career. 

“I’m much better for what I went through this season,” McLaurin said before redirecting his attention to the Eagles. “You want to end the season with a win … leave a lasting impression for all of us. Anytime they’re keeping score, you want to win.”

Other, less established players are trying to make their mark in the final game. Johnson has only had 10 starts in his 17-year career. 

“Experience is the best teacher,” the 39-year-old said. “There is experience through other people’s eyes, and then there’s experience through your eyes. One thing that’s hard to judge is your growth as a player when you’re not out there to really see yourself in real time.”

Offensive linemen Brandon Coleman, Andrew Wylie and Nick Allegretti will receive playing time after spending most of the season on the sideline. Nothing replaces live game reps for those players as they look to claw their way into the starting lineup for next season. 

Johnson, alongside 35 other Commanders, is slated to become a free agent. With a new contract on the line, Sunday’s game is about more than a final statement on a lost season. 

“Us players, our main objective is to win the football game and put a good product on the field,” Cosmi said during an appearance on 106.7 “The Fan” this week. “If it’s not for that team, it’s for 31 other teams.”