Vikings Waive Rookie WR Malik Knowles
The Vikings had their rookies report to training camp on Sunday, thus beginning their practice sessions prior to their first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks on August 10th.
However, just one day into camp, it seems that Minnesota has already parted ways with one of their rookie receivers. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reported the news on Twitter, writing, “Vikings waived Malik Knowles.”
Knowles, a product of the Kansas State Wildcats, spent five years with the collegiate program from 2018-2022, playing a total of 49 games and recording 127 receptions for 1867 yards and 14 TDs. He also tallied 36 carries for 440 rushing yards and another 4 TDs.
During his senior season of 2022, Knowles totaled 48 catches, 725 receiving yards, and 2 receiving TDs along with 8 carries for 164 yards and 3 more TDs.
The receiver was always going to have a difficult time breaking into a depth chart of receivers that included names like Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, and Jalen Reagor, but there was hope that with his versatility and athleticism, he could carve out a unique role due to his hybrid abilities as a rusher and receiver.
At Kansas State, he also returned 61 kicks, averaging 27.7 yards per return and scored three times on kickoffs. However, with Kene Nwangwu already holding the kick return duties in Minnesota, there really wasn’t much room for him in this role either.
Now, Knowles heads to waivers where any of the other 31 NFL teams can claim him for their own 90-man training camp rosters. If he goes unclaimed, he will hit unrestricted free agency.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.