Bills cutting veterans Hardman, Wishnowsky

The Buffalo Bills are cutting veteran returner and WR Mecole Hardman Jr.

The franchise is releasing punter Mitch Wishnowsky, with rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr. getting the starting position. The moves happen as Buffalo works to get the roster down to 53 footballers ahead of the league deadline at 6 p.m. tomorrow.

Mecole’s best opportunity for an active roster was as a punt returner. Still, the Bills started giving running back and kick returner Ray Davis more chances to return punts as well, lowering the veteran’s odds. Ray did muff a punt in the 3^rd preseason match. It’s still unknown what the franchise’s long-term answer at punt returner is, but Buffalo in the end decided to use a roster spot elsewhere.

The 3-time Super Bowl champ with the Chiefs was originally inked to the Bills’ practice squad in November in the past campaign. Mecole was active for 3 regular-campaign matches and 1 postseason match in 2025.

More on this topic:

Buffalo brings back Damar Hamlin on a 1-year deal

NEWS: The Bills are releasing veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr, per @JFowlerESPN

This move was mostly expected. pic.twitter.com/MyJWmklbeD

— Bills Lead (@BillsLead) August 29, 2026