That didn’t last long. On Saturday, the Washington Commanders re-signed rookie quarterback Sam Hartman to the practice squad, two days after waiving him from the 53-man roster.
This always seemed like the move the Commanders would make. Before releasing Hartman from the 53-man roster, Washington released defensive end Justin Hollins from the practice squad, clearing a spot for Hartman’s return.
Hartman, who had a standout career at Wake Forest and Notre Dame, signed with the Commanders as a priority free agent at the conclusion of the 2024 NFL draft. During the cutdown to 53 players, Washington waived Hartman but quickly re-signed him to the practice squad. The Commanders signed him to the main roster ahead of Week 1 when it was revealed that veteran Marcus Mariota would begin the season on the reserve/injured list.
Hartman served as Washington’s third quarterback behind Jayden Daniels and Jeff Driskel for the first four games. Mariota returned last week, and the Commanders didn’t need four quarterbacks.
With Hartman returning to the practice squad, Washington can still develop him as a potential future backup to Daniels.