Josh Johnson Injury News & Updates

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday night's contest against the Seahawks, but he will operate as the team's emergency third quarterback.

Johnson will be back in his familiar role as Washington's No. 3 QB in Week 9. The 39-year-old has yet to appear in a contest this season, and he'd only be able to do so if Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota are sidelined with injuries.

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive but serving as the emergency third quarterback for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

The well-traveled veteran will fill his usual role behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota, namely, being available as an emergency option should both his position mates exit the contest due to injury, illness or ejection. Johnson has just five regular-season pass attempts since the start of the 2022 season, none which have come in 2025.

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Bears but will be available as the emergency third quarterback.

Johnson has fluctuated between being the backup and third-string quarterback in Washington based on the health of Jayden Daniels. With Daniels set to start in Week 6, Johnson will be inactive for the second consecutive week.

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chargers and will serve as the Commanders' emergency third quarterback.

Johnson served as the Commanders' backup quarterback over the last two games due to the absence of Jayden Daniels, who was nursing a knee injury. With Daniels cleared to play Sunday, Marcus Mariota will revert to his backup role while Johnson serves as the emergency quarterback, which means he won't be allowed to see the field unless Daniels and Mariota were to leave the game due to injury, illness or ejection.

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Packers but will serve as the Commanders' emergency third-string quarterback.

As the emergency quarterback, Johnson will be allowed to see the field Thursday only if Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota become unavailable due to injury, illness or ejection.

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants and will serve as Washington's emergency third quarterback.

Johnson is third on the QB depth chart behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota, so he could serve as the emergency QB frequently this season. It would take both Daniels and Mariota becoming unavailable due to injury, illness, or ejection for Johnson to be eligible to enter Sunday's matchup.

The Commanders signed Johnson to a one-year contract Friday, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Johnson, a 38-year-old veteran, threw just three passes across his six regular-season appearances in 2024 while working in relief of Lamar Jackson with the Ravens. Back in 2018, he appeared in four regular-season games with Washington. Johnson will now join Marcus Mariota as a depth option behind Jayden Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Johnson played in six regular-season games in 2024, completing two of three passes for 17 yards while netting one yard on four carries.

All of Johnson's work came in brief appearances in relief of Lamar Jackson, as he didn't log more than 10 offensive snaps in any game. The veteran signal-caller did see his most work since 2021, but that doesn't change his outlook as a career backup. Johnson is set to become a free agent, and there's been some speculation that he could elect to hang up his cleats.

Johnson played three of the Ravens' 59 snaps on offense in Monday's 41-31 win over the Buccaneers.

Johnson entered the game after the two-minute warning for the Ravens' final possession of the night, handing the ball off to Justice Hill three times before Baltimore punted. The 38-year-old's snaps will continue to be limited to late-game garbage-time scenarios while reigning MVP Lamar Jackson is healthy.

Johnson completed four of 12 passes for 62 yards and gained 11 rushing yards on two carries in Friday's 16-13 preseason loss to the Eagles.

The defenses were ahead of the offenses for both teams, but Johnson in particular struggled to move the ball as he got the start while Lamar Jackson and the rest of the Ravens' first-team offense got the night off. The 38-year-old journeyman is set as Jackson's backup in his second stint with Baltimore, but Johnson would offer little fantasy upside if he were forced into action in the regular season.

Coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday that Johnson will suit up for Friday's preseason opener against the Eagles but that top quarterback Lamar Jackson won't play, Jonas Shaffer of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Johnson spent last season as Baltimore's third-string quarterback, but the 38-year-old veteran appears in good position to enter the 2024 campaign as the No. 2 option behind Jackson. His primary competition will come from rookie sixth-round pick Devin Leary, with undrafted rookie Emory Jones likely slated enter Friday's contest last among Ravens quarterbacks.

The Ravens are re-signing Johnson to a one-year contract Thursday.

Johnson is set to return as Lamar Jackson's backup, with second-year developmental option Malik Cunningham also waiting in the wings. The veteran, who is entering his age-38 season, spent the 2023 campaign as an emergency option behind Jackson and Tyler Huntley, who is now a free agent.

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive for Saturday's tilt against the Texans.

With Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley healthy, Johnson will serve as the team's emergency quarterback if both of the former two players get hurt. The veteran quarterback has yet to appear in a game this season.

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's contest against the 49ers.

Johnson has yet to appear in a game this season. However, if both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley are forced out of the game due to injuries, Johnson would be eligible to play.

Johnson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's contest against the Steelers.

Johnson will serve as the emergency quarterback for Week 5 with Tyler Huntley set to slot in as the backup QB behind Lamar Jackson. Johnson was let go by the Ravens on Sept. 23 but re-signed with the team two days later after clearing waivers.

The Ravens signed Johnson on Monday, Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan Baltimore reports.

After being released by Baltimore just a couple days ago, Johnson cleared waivers and is now back with his old team. There's recently been some ambiguity regarding who is the Ravens' top backup between him and Tyler Huntley, an important role given that Lamar Jackson has missed at least one game for four consecutive seasons leading up to 2023.

Johnson was released by the Ravens on Saturday.

Given Johnson's status as a veteran in the NFL, the 37-year-old is eligible to re-sign with the Ravens as soon as next week provided he passes through waivers. Faced with a litany of injuries entering Week 3, the Ravens were forced to make the difficult decision to release their backup quarterback. Well-versed backup Tyler Huntley still remains on the team and will operate as the No. 2 behind Lamar Jackson come Sunday. It's possible Johnson could be restored as the top backup on the depth chart in short order if and when he rejoins the roster.

Johnson is active and will serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Lamar Jackson, Jonas Shaffer of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Tyler Huntley will serve as the emergency No. 3 quarterback, meaning he is officially inactive but is dressed and can play if Jackson and Johnson are forced out of the game. Huntley had been battling a hamstring injury, but it's unclear if that played any part in his demotion. Johnson was actually let go by Baltimore ahead of the 53-man roster deadline but was quickly re-signed.

Johnson re-signed with the Ravens on Thursday, Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun reports.

With Tyler Huntley's (hamstring) status for Week 1 uncertain, Johnson's addition to the active roster indicates he beat out Anthony Brown for the Ravens' No. 3 quarterback role. Still, the Ravens are unlikely to activate three QBs for their opening game versus the Texans, so Johnson's status will likely depend on Huntley's ability to suit up or not.

Baltimore released Johnson on Tuesday.

Johnson had been competing with Anthony Brown for Baltimore's No. 3 quarterback job throughout the preseason, though both were let go Tuesday. That suggests the Ravens won't carry three QBs on their active roster. Johnson could end up on the practice squad as a depth option in case of an injury to Lamar Jackson or Tyler Huntley (hamstring).

Coach John Harbaugh indicated Saturday that Johnson is slated to start and play the first half of Monday's preseason game against the Commanders, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

After Johnson get his reps in, Anthony Brown is in line to take over in the second half, which sets the stage for Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley (hamstring) to be held out of the contest. Johnson and Brown are competing for the Ravens' No. 3 QB job behind Jackson and Huntley.

Johnson (concussion) is signing a contract with the Ravens on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Johnson's last NFL appearances came in the form of relief action for Brock Purdy (elbow) during the 49ers' NFC Championship Game loss to the Eagles, a contest which the veteran was forced out of early due to a concussion. Now healthy, Johnson returns to Baltimore, where he also logged stints in 2016 and 2021. He will likely operate as the Ravens' third string quarterback, behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley.

Johnson (concussion) won't return to Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Eagles.

With Johnson having been ruled out for the rest of the contest, Brock Purdy is back in the game despite dealing with a right elbow injury. Prior to his exit, Johnson completed seven of his 13 passing attempts for 74 yards.

Johnson is being evaluated for a concussion during Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Eagles.

Johnson had been pressed into action after Brock Purdy suffered a right elbow injury. Now Johnson has exited the context, with Purdy back in the game at QB for the 49ers for the time being.

Johnson will likely remain the 49ers' backup quarterback for Thursday's game against the Seahawks with Brock Purdy (oblique/ribs) listed as questionable but expected to start, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Johnson played 11 snaps on offense in relief of the banged-up Purdy in the 49ers' 35-7 win over the Buccaneers, completing one of two pass attempts for 10 yards while carrying twice for three yards. Though Purdy was listed as a limited practice participant Monday through Wednesday and will presumably be at something less than 100 percent health Thursday, he looks set to play through the pain for what will be his second straight start since Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) suffered what was likely a season-ending injury in the Week 13 win over the Dolphins.

The 49ers signed Johnson off the Broncos' practice squad Tuesday.

This marks Johnson's fourth stint with the 49ers in some capacity, but he now is only one snap away from getting his first game action with the team. On Sunday, Jimmy Garoppolo likely was lost for the season due to a broken foot, setting the stage for Brock Purdy to take over the offense. But Purdy was in need of an experienced hand behind him, and Johnson has been called upon to do just that. In 37 appearances (nine starts) between six organizations, Johnson has a 58.1 completion percentage, averaged 6.4 yards per attempt and compiled a 13:16 TD:INT.

The 49ers plan to sign Johnson to their 53-man roster, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Johnson has spent most of the year on the Broncos' practice squad, but the 49ers need help at quarterback after Jimmy Garoppolo sustained a season-ending foot injury Sunday. It seems likely that the 49ers will utilize Brock Purdy as their starting quarterback, but Johnson should provide a veteran presence in the locker room with the ability to fill in if Purdy struggles or gets hurt.

Johnson reverted to the Broncos' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Johnson was active but did not play after being elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's loss to the Jets. The veteran quarterback served as Denver's No. 2 quarterback behind Brett Rypien, as Russell Wilson was sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring injury Week 7. Johnson completed 57 of his 85 passes for 634 yards and five touchdowns to two interceptions over four games between the Ravens and Jets last season, and he should continue to serve as the Broncos' quasi-backup quarterback if Wilson can't return Week 8 versus the Jaguars.

Johnson was elevated from the practice squad Saturday and will serve as the Broncos' backup quarterback in Sunday's matchup against the Jets, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Russell Wilson (hamstring) has been ruled out from the game, which has shaken up Denver's quarterback room. Brett Rypien will get the chance to start his second career game, while Johnson will be active for his first game of the campaign.

Johnson signed with the Broncos' practice squad Wednesday, Aric DiLalla of the team's official site reports.

Johnson surprisingly failed to make the 53-man roster after seemingly running ahead of Brett Rypien for most of training camp. The veteran quarterback went unclaimed on waivers and will be on hand as a potential roster addition should Russell Wilson or Rypien have to miss any time.

The Broncos are slated to release Johnson, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

With the move, fellow QB Brett Rypien slots in as Russell Wilson's backup, though Klis notes that the Broncos hope to re-sign Johnson to their practice squad in the coming days.

Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett said Wednesday that Johnson will be the backup quarterback to Brett Rypien and will play the second half of Saturday's preseason contest against the Vikings, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Hackett said Rypien has earned the chance to be the starter against Minnesota, but he also wants to see consistency from both quarterbacks during the preseason finale. Johnson was impressive in Denver's first exhibition contest but was lackluster against the Bills on Saturday. The 36-year-old was the early favorite to earn the No. 2 spot behind Russell Wilson, but it appears like the preseason finale will be the final test for both quarterbacks to prove they deserve the backup gig.

Johnson completed eight of 16 passes for 70 yards in Saturday's 42-15 loss to the Bills.

Johnson had a quiet day in Saturday's game against the Bills, opening the door for fellow quarterback Brett Rypien to showcase his abilities as the two compete for the No. 2 spot behind Russell Wilson. Though Johnson was impressive in Denver's first preseason game against Dallas, his lackluster showing Saturday may give Rypien a chance to make the competition closer. This is especially true since Rypien looked sharp, completing 22 of 26 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown. Johnson appears to be the favorite to be the backup once the season starts, but the Broncos' third preseason game against Minnesota on Aug. 27 will be an opportunity for the 36-year-old to prove he deserves that spot.

Johnson will start for the Broncos on Saturday in their preseason contest with the Bills, Troy Renck of Denver 7 News reports.

Johnson drew the start last Saturday as well, completing 16 of 23 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns against the Cowboys. With Russell Wilson locked in as the starter and sitting for all preseasons games, Johnson is competing with Brett Rypien for backup duties. Between the starting gig Saturday, and his performance last week, the 36-year-old veteran appears to have an edge on Rypien for that spot on the positional depth chart.

Johnson completed 16 of 23 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns while adding three yards on one carry in Saturday's 17-7 win over the Cowboys.

Johnson started the game for Denver ahead of teammate Brett Rypien, and he made a solid case to be the favorite to win the backup quarterback job behind Russell Wilson. The veteran signal caller moved the ball well in the contest, finding both Kendall Hinton and Seth Williams for touchdowns in the second quarter. Johnson finished with a passer rating of 120.2, nearly double that of Rypien's rating of 65.3. Assuming the 36-year-old stays healthy and continues to shine in the preseason, the No. 2 spot on the depth chart appears to be his to lose.

Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Broncos on Friday, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

The 35-year-old continues his tour around the league, as the Broncos are the 14th team he's signed a contract with since being drafted in 2008, Field Yates of ESPN reports. Johnson appeared in four games between the Jets and Ravens last year and completed 57 of 85 passes for 638 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions while rushing nine times for 28 yards. He's in line to serve as the primary backup to Russell Wilson in 2022.

Johnson should return to a backup role Sunday against the Rams after Tyler Huntley was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

Johnson was relatively effective as a spot starter in Sunday's loss to the Bengals, as he completed 28 of 40 passes for 304 yards, two touchdowns and an interception while rushing twice for 10 yards. However, Lamar Jackson (ankle) has returned to practice in a limited capacity, and Huntley will likely be in line to fill in as the Week 17 starter if Jackson isn't deemed ready to return against the Rams.

Johnson completed 28 of 40 pass attempts for 304 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against Cincinnati on Sunday.

The Ravens were blown out 41-21 and Johnson couldn't do much as a runner (five carries for 10 yards), but this is still a fairly impressive showing for a player who only joined the team Dec. 15. Given the short notice, brief practice time and general dysfunction around the Ravens, no one could have blamed Johnson if he had played much more poorly than this. It's not clear what the Week 17 situation might be for Lamar Jackson (ankle) or Tyler Huntley (illness) as the Ravens prepare to face the Rams.

Johnson will start Sunday's game against the Bengals, Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official site reports.

With Tyler Huntley officially on the reserve/COVID-19 list and Lamar Jackson (ankle) not traveling with the team to Cincinnati, Johnson is now set to start Sunday's game, with Kenji Bahar slated to back him up. While Johnson is not a high-percentage fantasy lineup option in Week 16, he does offer an alternative for those in two-QB formats or who are otherwise scrambling at this stage for a QB for any reason.

Johnson is expected to start Sunday's game against the Bengals, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

With Lamar Jackson (ankle) not traveling with the team to Cincinnati and Tyler Huntley reportedly headed to the reserve/COVID-19 list, Johnson is the next man up at QB for the Ravens in Week 16. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Ravens intend to sign Kenji Bahar to provide the team with a backup option behind Johnson on Sunday.

With Tyler Huntley reportedly headed to the reserve/COVID-19 list, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, Johnson is a candidate to start Sunday's game against the Bengals.

In that context, Johnson is Ravens' healthiest available QB in advance of the game, with Lamar Jackson (ankle) listed as questionable after not practicing all week. Prior to Saturday's news, the expectation had been that Huntley was the team's likely Week 16 starter, but the assignment may now go to Johnson, if Jackson isn't able to handle it.

With Lamar Jackson (ankle) and Tyler Huntley (illness) both on the injury report and listed as questionable, Johnson was the only quarterback at Friday's practice for the Ravens, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reports.

Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic and Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network suggest Huntley is expected to be ready for Sunday's game in Cincinnati, while Jackson is far less likely to play. If things take a turn for the worse and both quarterbacks are out, Johnson would make a start less than two weeks after signing with the Ravens.

The Ravens signed Johnson off the Jets' practice squad Wednesday.

Johnson reverted to the Jets' practice squad in early December and will provide additional depth at quarterback for the Ravens while Lamar Jackson (ankle) is day-to-day. Even if Jackson is unavailable for Sunday's game against Green Bay, Johnson should serve as a backup behind Tyler Huntley.

Johnson was reverted to the Jets' practice squad Monday.

The quarterback served as the backup to Zack Wilson in Week 12 against the Texans but with Joe Flacco being reinstated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Johnson was sent back down to the practice squad. With both Wilson and Flacco healthy, it's unlikely that the 35-year-old will crack the active roster apart from one of them going down with an injury.

Johnson was elevated from the practice squad and will serve as the backup quarterback Sunday against the Texans, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.

The Jets elevated Johnson with both Joe Flacco and Mike White still on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He has seen game action on two occasions this season and has completed 29 of his 45 passes and averaged 7.4 yards per attempt.