BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Bills released veteran returner and wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr., the team announced Saturday.
A source also confirmed to ESPN that the team is also releasing veteran punter Mitch Wishnowsky, with rookie punter Tommy Doman Jr. earning the starting job.
The moves come as the Bills work to get the roster down to 53 players ahead of the NFL deadline at 6 p.m. ET Sunday.
Hardman's best chance at an active roster spot was as a punt returner, but Buffalo began giving running back and kick returner Ray Davis more opportunities to return punts as well, lowering Hardman's odds. Davis did muff a punt in the third preseason game.
It remains to be seen what the team's long-term answer at punt returner is, but the Bills ultimately decided to use a roster spot elsewhere.
Hardman is a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs who originally signed to the Buffalo practice squad in November last season. Hardman, 28, was active for three regular-season games and one playoff game in 2025.