The Green Bay Packers are filling the team's practice squad by signing rookie running back Damon Bankston, according to Bill Huber of Packers on SI.
Bankston, an undrafted free agent out of New Mexico, was in Green Bay for a tryout on Tuesday. He signed with the New York Giants after going undrafted but was released at final roster cutdowns. The Packers had an open spot on the practice squad and will not need to make a corresponding roster move on Wednesday.
The connection to the Packers is an obvious one: Bankston was one of 30 pre-draft visitors to Green Bay before the 2026 NFL draft.
While he didn't stick with the Giants, Bankston is a fascinating prospect, given his collegiate production and athletic profile. A Weber State transfer, Bankston averaged
5.6 yards per rush, caught 31 passes, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and finished with 10 total touchdowns during his lone season at New Mexico in 2025. He was a big-play threat, creating a run of at least 20 yards in three different games and a reception of at least 20 yards in four different games. Bankston had a 54-yard run against UCLA, a 55-yard catch against Idaho State and an 84-yard catch against UNLV, and he returned a pair of kickoffs 100 yards for a touchdown -- the first against Boise State and the second in the bowl game against Minnesota.
Per PFF, Bankston finished with 52 missed tackles forced in 2025, and he averaged 2.31 yards per route run as a receiver.
Over a 51-game collegiate career, which includes four seasons at Weber State, Bankston rushed for 2,959 yards and 27 touchdowns and caught 65 passes for 729 yards and four more scores. His all-purpose yardage total ended up at 4,220.
While not a big running back at 5-10 and 186 pounds, Bankston has 4.4 speed, and he finished the 3-cone drill in 6.89 seconds. His speed and quickness make him a dual-threat player as a runner and receiver. He also completed 21 reps on the bench press.
Bankston will join Pierre Strong Jr. as the second running back on the team's practice squad. The Packers have MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks and Kaleb Johnson on the 53-man roster at running back. Veteran Josh Jacobs remains on the exempt list while navigating an on-going legal issue.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers fill practice squad by signing rookie RB and pre-draft visitor
