Mitch Wishnowsky, the veteran punter who actually went up against our All-Pro returner Rashid Shaheed in Week 1, officially reverted to the New England Patriots’ practice squad on Monday. Yeah, you heard that right, *after* Week 2. He’d been elevated to the active roster for their home opener, so this move definitely raises an eyebrow.
That Second Stint Was Short, Huh?
So, Wishnowsky’s second game on the active roster was Sunday’s 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was out there for four punts, averaging a respectable 46.3 yards per kick with a net of 41.0. He even booted one for 54 yards and dropped one inside the 20-yard line. Plus, he had holding duties for kicker Andy Borregales, who hit 2-of-3 field goals and both extra points. Seems solid enough, right? So why the quick hook? It makes you really wonder what the heck is going on in Foxborough with their special teams unit, especially when they’ve got their incumbent punter on injured reserve. This guy, a 34-year-old, 6-foot-2, 220-pound right-footed specialist, is already back on the practice squad.
From All-Pro Challenge to Practice Squad Life
Wishnowsky signed onto the Patriots’ practice squad when it first formed, stepping in because their usual punter, Bryce Baringer, started the regular season on injured reserve. He’s seen 16 snaps on special teams since then, without a single touchback. The kicker? His 2026 debut was against none other than our own beast, All-Pro Seattle Seahawks returner Rashid Shaheed, right here in the Emerald City at Lumen Field, where Wishnowsky posted 44.3 yards per punt. Imagine facing a guy like Shaheed, one of the best in the league, then a week later you’re back on the practice squad. That’s a stark contrast! This veteran has been around the block, a fourth-round pick in 2019 by the 49ers, where he spent six years, then stints with the Washington Commanders and Buffalo Bills. He was one of the 53-man roster cuts back in August, too. He’s a former Ray Guy Award winner, boasts 107 career games, 352 punts for over 16,000 yards, and a long of 74 yards. He’s even got 236 kickoffs under his belt!
Will we see him back on the field this year? It’s anyone’s guess, but with a third and final elevation remaining, you gotta think they’ll use it if Baringer isn’t back soon. Meanwhile, the 1-1 Patriots are heading down to EverBank Stadium next Sunday to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were the 2025 AFC champions. That’s a huge test. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET. You just know that game will be a battle, and every special teams play is gonna count. Hope their special teams unit can pull it together because that’s a tough matchup for sure!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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