Packers fill practice squad by signing dynamic kickoff returner

In addition to making official the team’s change at kicker, the Green Bay Packers announced the signing of first-year wide receiver Malik Knowles to the practice squad on Wednesday.

The Packers had an open spot on the practice squad after losing offensive lineman Lecitus Smith to the New England Patriots.

Knowles went undrafted out of Kansas State in 2023. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings but spent the entire season on injured reserve. The Vikings waived him on Aug. 27 of this year. He caught a 1-yard touchdown pass and returned two kickoffs for 43 yards during the preseason.

Knowles was a two-time All-Big 12 selection — once as a returner and once as a receiver.

Knowles finished fifth in school history in all-purpose yards and second in kickoff return yards. He scored 21 career touchdowns, including three kickoff returns.

In 2022, Knowles caught 48 passes for 725 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for three touchdowns.

Knowles averaged 27.9 yards per kickoff return for his career. He had touchdowns 99 yards and 100 yards and finished with almost 1,800 career kickoff return yards.

Knowles ended his Kansas State career with 127 catches for 1,863 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns over 51 games.

His scouting report from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

Perimeter receiver with adequate measurables and above-average value as a kick returner. Knowles is an angular route runner who is much more effective on longer-developing routes that allow him to win with tempo through turns. Lacking suddenness, he will struggle beating press and uncovering underneath. He requires a runway to find his speed on run-after-catch throws. Knowles is athletic and smooth as a pass-catcher but might be limited to a role as a potential WR5/6 with kick return value.

Just this week, the Packers have placed receiver TJ Luther on the practice squad injured list, lost Smith to the Patriots and signed Knowles and offensive lineman Spencer Rolland to the practice squad.