In a whirlwind of activity, Jeff Driskel transitioned from being a practice squad quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals to the backup for the Washington Commanders in just over 12 hours. This unexpected shift occurred ahead of the Commanders’ Christmas Day game against the Dallas Cowboys, leaving Driskel with merely three days to prepare.
The urgency began when Driskel received a call just minutes before kickoff on December 24, 2023. He quickly boarded a red-eye flight to the Washington, D.C. area, arriving just in time to undergo a physical and attend morning meetings. The lack of a nameplate on his locker highlighted his sudden arrival, as two suitcases stood in its place. With a smile, Driskel remarked, “It’s way more common than people think. You get used to it.”
Emergency Signings: A Common NFL Practice
The life of an emergency signing, while common in the NFL, is anything but easy. Teams frequently acquire players on short notice to fill gaps left by injuries, making the process appear seamless despite the limited preparation time. Behind the scenes, NFL teams maintain emergency lists of free agents and practice squad players, enabling them to react quickly when needed.
For instance, earlier this month, the Indianapolis Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers out of retirement to start his first game in nearly 1,800 days. Similarly, the Minnesota Vikings traded for Joshua Dobbs after losing starter Kirk Cousins to an Achilles injury, integrating him into the game plan just five days later without taking any practice reps with the starters.
The Washington Commanders have their own history with emergency signings. In 2020, Taylor Heinicke, who had been finishing a mathematics degree while living on his sister’s couch, made a significant impact after being signed to the practice squad. He threw for 306 yards and a touchdown in a wild-card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Last year, the Commanders signed quarterback Garrett Gilbert off the New England Patriots practice squad. He was thrust into action with only one practice under his belt before starting a crucial game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Challenges of Stepping In
Emergency signings are a regular occurrence in the NFL; yet, the adjustment for new players is significant. Driskel, who previously spent the 2024 season with the Commanders, was called back when Marcus Mariota suffered injuries. His familiarity with the team’s system and personnel positioned him advantageously compared to others who had to acclimate quickly.
For players like Josh Johnson, who has journeyed through 14 teams in 17 years, the routine of emergency signings has become second nature. “Most of the opportunities that came for me, something happened — something went wrong with the starter or the backup,” Johnson explained. His experience includes starting for the Baltimore Ravens shortly after joining the team.
The logistical challenges are compounded when injuries occur late in the week, particularly on Sunday or Monday nights. Such timing can hinder a team’s ability to secure a new player before other teams, creating a race against the clock.
In October 2023, Matthew Wright, a journeyman kicker, was called upon to fly to Kansas City for a game against the Chiefs. The Commanders’ starter was dealing with back issues, prompting the team to seek a temporary replacement. Wright’s experience as an emergency kicker proved invaluable, though he only participated in kickoffs and an extra-point attempt during the game.
The process of integrating new players involves collaboration across multiple departments within an NFL organization. In Washington, personnel and football operations teams continuously update their emergency replacement lists to ensure quick responses to injuries or illness.
One notable example occurred when the Commanders were preparing for an international game in Madrid. They sought to sign defensive end DeMarcus Walker and receiver River Cracraft, ensuring both had valid passports for travel. Cracraft, who received a call at 5 a.m. PT, packed in a hurry and arrived just in time to board the flight with the team.
Despite the challenging nature of these last-minute signings, the commitment from teams to support new players is evident. Coaching staff, like receivers coach Bobby Ingram, often dedicate extra time to help newcomers adapt, demonstrating a level of investment that can significantly impact a player’s confidence and performance.
Ultimately, stepping into an NFL game on short notice requires adaptability and resilience. Players like Johnson and Driskel embody the spirit of emergency signings, embracing the unpredictability of the league. “You got to roll with it, or you can go home,” Johnson noted, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by those in these high-pressure situations.
