The worst day of the season for players – cut down day – the Commanders roster cuts are official. Washington trimmed its roster to 53 players ahead of Sunday’s 6 p.m. deadline. The team waived or released 35 players, placed two more on injured reserve, and moved one to the physically unable to perform list.
The Notable Names
A few decisions stand out beyond the sheer volume of moves. The quarterback competition reached its conclusion. Washington released Sam Hartman, confirming what became clear over the final two preseason games: rookie Athan Kaliakmanis won the No. 3 job outright, impressing in relief against Detroit before Hartman couldn’t match that in the Baltimore finale.
Along the offensive line, Trent Scott and Julian Good-Jones both lost their roster spots. Scott struggled badly in Friday’s blowout loss to the Ravens, while Good-Jones never found his footing after being pressed into starting center reps when Nick Allegretti went down early in camp.
Linebacker Curtis Jacobs didn’t survive final cuts, ending a short stint that began with real hometown promise. Washington signed the Glen Burnie native off the DC Defenders’ roster just weeks ago, hoping his UFL production would translate. It didn’t stick.
Two Players Head to Injured Reserve
Cornerback Trey Amos and running back Jeremy McNichols both landed on injured reserve with a designation to return, meaning both remain eligible to rejoin the active roster once Washington plays its fourth game of the season. Defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. joins them on a similar timeline, landing on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
No Amos for the first three games is a definite blow to the defense.
The Full List of Moves
Washington waived or released: LB Krys Barnes, OLB Boogie Basham, S Joshuah Bledsoe, WR Jaden Bradley, OL Daniel Brunskill, TE Lawrence Cager, DT Byron Cowart, CB Fred Davis II, OL Julian Good-Jones, CB Antonio Hamilton Sr., QB Sam Hartman, RB Robert Henry Jr., C Trey Hill, DT Maurice Hurst II, LB Curtis Jacobs, WR Van Jefferson, OLB D.J. Johnson, S Quindell Johnson, WR Jacoby Jones, LB Ale Kaho, S Qwuanrezz Knight Sr., DT Jeffrey M’Ba, OLB T.J. Maguranyanga, TE Tre’ McKitty, TE Quentin Moore, CB Fabian Moreau, WR Nick Nash, OL Nicholas Petit-Frere, RB Craig Reynolds, CB Darius Rush, G Max Scharping, OT Trent Scott, DT Shy Tuttle, and CB Car’lin Vigers.
Noteworthy / Surprising
DT Byron Cowart had a good camp and preseason. He’s the kind of guy that makes this date on the calendar so lamentable. Worked his ass off to get cut.
Robert Henry Jr. flashed in the first preseason game but not after. Tough room to break into, and RB Jeremy McNicholls being in a state of flux likely didn’t help Henry. He could land on the practice squad for sure.
Antonio Hamilton Sr. looked great on special teams early in preseason but fizzled out.
Van Jefferson is a pretty decent receiver. He might not fit this roster, but he may be able to catch on with somebody else.
Around The League
Last year’s temporary Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson was released by the Cincinnatti Bengals today. Will his NFL journey continue somewhere else? Probably. He’s got incredible intestinal fortitude.
Jamin Davis — Washington’s 2021 first-round pick (19th overall) — was waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers today. Davis has now been cut or waived five times since Washington moved on from him in October 2024, bouncing through the Packers, Vikings, Jets, and Raiders before landing briefly with Pittsburgh.
Linemen Released & Now Available
Laken Tomlinson — Offensive Guard (Houston Texans)
An 11-year NFL veteran with extensive starting experience across stops with San Francisco, Detroit, the Jets, and most recently Houston. Released as part of the Texans’ offensive line overhaul.
Robert Jones — Offensive Guard (San Francisco 49ers)
Released by the 49ers after being sidelined by a calf strain — notably, he’d been practicing with the first-team offense before the injury, suggesting real starting-caliber standing on the depth chart.
View The Full Commanders 53-Man Roster Positional Breakdown
Up Next
Washington’s initial 53-man roster is now set, though not necessarily final. The team can begin building a 16-player practice squad Monday, plus a 17th international pathway spot, and general manager Adam Peters is expected to work the waiver wire actively over the coming days as other teams around the league make their own cuts.
Washington opens the regular season September 13 at Philadelphia.