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Packers sign former first-round pick, release RB from practice squad
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- Packers sign former first-round pick, release RB from practice squad
The Green Bay Packers released running back Damon Bankston from the practice squad to make room for the signing of defensive lineman Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-round pick who worked out for the team on Monday.
Bankston, who visited the Packers before the 2026 NFL draft, originally signed with Green Bay's practice squad on Sept. 9. He spent 20 days with the Packers before being released on Sept. 29, but he returned on the practice squad on Oct. 6.
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With Josh Jacobs returning from the Commissioner's Exempt List and three other running backs on the 53-man roster, the Packers probably didn't feel the need to have one on the practice squad.
Taking Bankston's spot is Smith, the 26th overall pick in the 2023 draft. He has appeared in 43 career games with 20 starts, providing the Packers with much-needed experience and a potential gameday elevation option. Along the defensive line, the Packers have three players currently on injured reserve (Javon Hargrave, Warren Brinson and Jonathan Ford), so Smith might be called on to play snaps in the near future.
Smith spent the better part of three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys but was traded to the New York Jets in November of 2025. He was released by the Jets at final cuts and spent the start of the 2026 regular season on the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins.
Smith will wear No. 63 with the Packers.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers sign former first-round pick, release RB from practice squad
