Acme Packing Company
Rookie punt returner Matthew Golden has struggled to catch the ball before the bounce through three games, returning only four total punts thus far this season. Despite that, it doesn’t appear that the Green Bay Packers will be changing their mind at the punt returner position, as on Tuesday, they announced that they have released former All-Pro returner Mecole Hardman from the practice squad.
Hardman was a pre-draft signing for the Packers, who was then displaced on the depth chart by the addition of two top-100 pick rookie receivers — Golden and Savion Williams. Hardman struggled this preseason as a returner, was cut at the roster deadline and re-signed with the team as a practice squadder.
Green Bay also announced the signing of wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James to its practice squad. Interestingly, the Packers didn’t need to release Hardman to sign Keeney-James, due to offensive lineman Brant Banks being called up to the active roster. Even after these moves, Green Bay has one 53-man roster spot and one practice squad spot vacant going into Week 4 action.
Keeney-James played five years at the FCS level at Eastern Washington before transferring to UMass for his final college season in 2024. Between both schools, he recorded 111 receptions for 1,664 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense and 5 kick returns for 83 yards. The majority of his offensive production (50 receptions for 839 yards and 6 touchdowns) came as a sixth-year senior.
The Packers were one of seven teams that were present at UMass’ pro day this spring. Keeney-James also had a pre-draft visit with the Tennessee Titans before signing with the Detroit Lions after going undrafted.
After cutdowns, when Keeney-James was waived, he’s since worked out with the New York Giants, New England Patriots and on Tuesday, the Packers.
Along with Keeney-James, Green Bay also worked out running back Montrell Johnson Jr., receiver Sam Brown Jr., offensive lineman Mason Browns, offensive lineman Matt Waletzko and safety Trey Taylor. Brown previously spent time with the Packers this summer before being waived with an injury designation and later an injury settlement.
