Commanders release WR Byron Pringle ahead of season opener
The Commanders released WR Byron Pringle on Friday, a surprise move on the eve of the season opener in Tampa.
Pringle, 30, recently re-signed near the end of camp after playing in all 17 games for the 2023 Commanders, notching 14 catches on 22 targets for 161 yards.
The Commanders still have six receivers on the active roster – Noah Brown’s addition right after final cuts had given them seven – and although the move loses the projected No. 1 kick returner in Pringle, it could serve two important purposes for Washington.
First, with Marcus Mariota out due to a chest injury, Jeff Driskel is the only healthy quarterback on the 53-man roster, so as Ben Standig of the Athletic pointed out, an open roster spot could give Washington a chance to add Sam Hartman from the practice squad by signing him to the roster instead of using one of his two elevations from the PS – a move that could be more important if Mariota misses multiple weeks.
Secondly, as a vested veteran, Pringle’s salary would be guaranteed for the season if he was on the roster following Week 1, so by losing him now, if they bring him back after Sunday, his salary id not guaranteed.
Johnny Newton is the only other Commanders player listed as out Sunday, so the Commanders could also use their practice squad elevations on the defensive line, and/or add a player to the 53 there.
