Commanders Cut Rookie Quarterback (Not Jayden Daniels)

While one rookie quarterback is poised to take the Washington Commanders by storm, another seems destined only for the practice squad.

Free agent Sam Hartman was released by the Commanders on Tuesday. He is, however, a candidate to be signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

Hartman, who played in college at Wake Forest and Notre Dame, faced an uphill battle in training camp as he started on the bottom of the depth chart behind No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels, veteran backup Marcus Mariota and veteran journeymen Jeff Driskel and Trace McSorley. In his only preseason appearance, he completed eight of 13 passes for 83 yards against the New York Jets.

He showed flashes of potential in that game, but then suffered a shoulder injury the next week and missed Washington's final two preseason games. Driskel struggled, but McSorley was the star of the Commanders' victory over the New England Patriots in last weekend's finale.

If the Commanders don't bring him back, he could also join the United Football League as the champion Birmingham Stallions selected him in their draft earlier this Summer.

Related: Commanders Sign Naming Rights Partner: 'Northwest Stadium'

The 24-year-old Hartman starred at Wake Forest, getting named to several All-ACC teams and winning the Brian Piccolo Award in 2022.

In four seasons with the Demon Deacons and one with the Fighting Irish, Hartman started 57 of his 60 games and compiled a record of 34-20. He completed 1,135 of 1,898 passes (59.8 percent) for 15,656 yards, 134 touchdowns, and 49 interceptions.