With uncertainty at punter, the Washington Commanders have added an insurance policy for Week 2.
The Commanders announced Wednesday they have signed veteran Mitch Wishnowsky to their practice squad.
Wishnowsky spent his first six NFL seasons (92 games) with the San Francisco 49ers. He averaged 45.2 yards per punt in 2024 before a back injury cut his season short after nine games.
To make room for their new punter, the Commanders released tight end Lawrence Cager.
Why Did the Commanders Sign a Punter?
Signing Wishnowsky, 33, gives the Commanders a safety net in case Tress Way is unable to play Thursday against the Green Bay Packers.
Way, a two-time Pro Bowler, hurt his back in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants and was limited in practice on Tuesday. That he was able to participate at all likely bodes well for his availability in a short week, but the Commanders certainly don’t want to take any chances.
As such, the Commanders worked out a pair of free-agent punters on Tuesday: Wishnowsky and Eddie Czaplicki, an undrafted rookie who was waived by the Kansas City Chiefs in July.
The 35-year-old Way averaged 49 yards on five punts in Week 1. It’s not clear when his injury occurred, though he did hit the ground back-first on a punt that was partially blocked by Abdul Carter.
Per Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, Quinn insinuated Tuesday that Way should be good to go this week.
Said Quinn: “The concern is lower for us now. … He hit the ball well today. We signed Mitch, and on a short week, it was the right decision to go that way, but we’re expecting Tress to do well.”
Wishnowsky Was a Fixture With 49ers
Wishnowsky was the 49ers’ fourth-round pick (110th overall) in 2019 and averaged 45.6 yards per punt over six seasons in San Francisco. Of his 310 career punts, 138 landed inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.
In 2022, the 49ers rewarded Wishnowsky with a four-year, $13 million contract extension.
Amid questions about Wishnowsky’s health, the 49ers released the Australia native in May. Thomas Morstead punted in the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Should Way need more time to heal, Wishnowsky is plenty capable to handle punting duties in a pinch. At the very least, he’s a quality veteran to have in the special teams room.
Cager Released From Practice Squad
Cager did not make the Commanders’ initial 53-man roster but was signed to the practice squad in August. He had four catches for 54 yards across three preseason games.
The 28-year-old tight end split his first three NFL seasons with the New York Jets and Giants, making 19 catches for 189 yards and two touchdowns.
With Zach Ertz, the Commanders are well-positioned at tight end.
Commanders Sign 92-Game Veteran & Release Tight End Ahead of Week 2