Full Breakdown
Washington Commanders Waive Quarterback Sam Hartman Ahead of Roster Cutdown
8/31/2026, 2:53:51 AM
Core Move
The Washington Commanders are waiving quarterback Sam Hartman as they trim the roster to the league-mandated 53 players. The waiver is set for Sunday, and Hartman will need to clear waivers before the team can re-sign him to the practice squad, a step the organization has indicated it would like to take.
Background and Recent Performance
Hartman entered Washington as an undrafted free agent in 2024 after five seasons at Wake Forest and a final collegiate year at Notre Dame, where the team posted a 9-win start under coach Marcus Freeman. He has spent most of the past two seasons on the Commanders’ practice squad and has not appeared in a regular-season game. During the preseason, Hartman completed nine of 14 passes for 64 yards in a 41-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The primary backup, Marcus Mariota, missed most of the month after a sprained MCL in the first preseason game, leaving rookie Athan Kaliakmanis as a potential third quarterback if he survives the cutdown.
Official Statements & Responses
Tom Pelissero of *The Ringer* reported that the Commanders “would like” to retain Hartman on the practice squad after he clears waivers. The team’s coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator David Blough, has been credited by Hartman for the early development of the offense, though the quarterback acknowledged that the preseason performance left “work… to build off of.” No formal comment from the Commanders’ front office was provided in the reports.
Verbatim Quote
“I think (it’s) a credit to (Commanders OC David) Blough, right?” — Quarterback Sam Hartman
Data & Statistics
- Preseason passing: 9 completions on 14 attempts, 64 yards.
- Team preseason result: 41-3 loss to the Ravens.
- Roster status: Waiver pending; potential practice-squad re-signing.
