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Packers sign DT Mazi Smith to the practice squad, release RB Damon Bankston
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Sports/The Apex Times/Oct 20, 5:16 PM EDT

Packers sign DT Mazi Smith to the practice squad, release RB Damon Bankston

Green Bay made two practice-squad roster changes Tuesday, adding a former first-round defensive tackle and ending Damon Bankston’s time with the unit.

By The Apex Times Newsroom1 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The Green Bay Packers announced Tuesday that they signed defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the practice squad and released running back Damon Bankston from the practice squad.

Smith, a 6-foot-3, 319-pound fourth-year player out of the University of Michigan, enters his third NFL stop in this phase of his career. He was originally selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round (No. 26 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.

According to the team, Smith has appeared in 43 NFL games with 20 starts since entering the league, totaling 57 tackles (31 solo), two sacks, and seven tackles for loss. He has also recorded 12 Next Gen Stat quarterback pressures across his time with the Cowboys (2023-25), New York Jets (2025) and Miami Dolphins (2026).

The Packers said Smith will wear No. 63 for Green Bay.

Why It Matters

  • Practice squad moves can report how the Packers are reshaping depth and developmental priorities on the defensive front and at running back.
  • Smith’s addition brings an experienced interior lineman who previously logged starts, potentially supporting the team’s preparation for upcoming opponents.
  • Bankston’s release reduces the running back group’s practice-squad options, which could affect next-man-up availability during week-to-week evaluations.

Sources

Key Facts

  • Green Bay signed DT Mazi Smith to its practice squad and released RB Damon Bankston from the practice squad.
  • The transactions were announced by Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst on Oct. 20, 2026.
  • Mazi Smith was a first-round pick (No. 26 overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2023 NFL Draft.
  • Smith is listed at 6-foot-3 and 319 pounds and is a former University of Michigan standout.
  • The Packers reported Smith has 43 career games and 20 starts, with 57 tackles, two sacks, and seven tackles for loss.
  • Green Bay said Smith will wear No. 63.
  • No additional background on Damon Bankston’s performance or role was included in the team announcement beyond his release from the practice squad.
Packers sign DT Mazi Smith to the practice squad, release RB Damon Bankston | The Apex Times