The Green Bay Packers have added All-American receiver to their practice squad and have also signed a lineman following the loss of one to the Patriots.
**GREEN BAY, Wis.** – The Green Bay Packers are set to welcome some new players to the practice field this Wednesday.
The team has added receiver and offensive tackle to their practice squad. Rolland takes the place of center Lecitus Smith, who was signed to the New England Patriots’ 53-man roster on Tuesday.
Knowles, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 196 pounds, was a two-time All-American at Kansas State. In 2021, he earned recognition as a return specialist, averaging 33.1 yards per kickoff return and ranking second in the nation with two kickoff-return touchdowns. In 2022, he was named an all-purpose player after recording 48 catches for 725 yards and two touchdowns, while also averaging 25.7 yards per kickoff return.
After going undrafted in 2023, Knowles signed with the Minnesota Vikings, but he spent last season on the reserve/non-football injury list due to a knee injury. He was released at the end of training camp this summer after making one catch for 1 yard and returning two kickoffs for a total of 43 yards.
Luther fills the practice-squad spot of rookie TJ Luther, who has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury.
Knowles experienced significant growth in high school, going from 5-foot-6 to 6-foot-2. “One day I was like, ‘I guess I have to focus on receiver now,’” Knowles recalled. “Technique-wise, I had to learn a bunch of different stuff. My footwork was a lot different than it was as a running back.”
Throughout his journey, he faced challenges, including injuries and the loss of his mother to cancer. Quarterback Skylar Thompson, now with the Miami Dolphins, reflected on their bond during this difficult time. “The grieving process is hard, because you get so many people telling you, ‘I’m so sorry.’ It’s nice, but at the same time, your mom is gone, and there’s nothing anyone can say,” he noted. Thompson encouraged Knowles, saying, “There are better days to come. And even though she’s not here, she still sees you. I always tell him, ‘Let’s go be special and do something great for them.’”
Knowles will have a familiar face in the Packers’ locker room, as Rolland also participated in training camp with the Vikings.
Rolland played six college seasons, starting at Harvard from 2018 to 2021, then at North Carolina in 2022 and 2023. Last year, he received honorable mention on the all-ACC team as a right tackle and allowed only one sack, a notable improvement from the six he surrendered in 2022.
While at North Carolina, he was a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the Academic Heisman. During his time with the Vikings, he played left guard in the preseason and allowed just one pressure in 32 pass-protecting snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
“I think I’m a very versatile guy,” Rolland stated before the draft. “In the past three years, I’ve learned three different offenses and playbooks. I feel like I keep on improving and I’m going to take the next step at the next level.”
At 6-foot-6 and 306 pounds, he recorded a Relative Athletic Score of 7.15.
Growing up in Minnesota, Rolland realized his childhood dream by playing for the Vikings. “It’s amazing to actually have the purple and gold on,” he shared with The Star-Tribune.
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A quick look at the numbers shows the #Packers really didn't get much better after signing Brandon McManus. Taking more than a quick look … ⬇️https://t.co/A6i7eUQUhr
— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) October 16, 2024
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