Bankston is a 5-foot-10, 190-pound back who spent time in both training camp and the preseason with the New York Giants before joining Green Bay. His profile suggests a player with dual-threat potential: capable of contributing as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield. This versatility is something the Packers have valued, particularly in a roster that needs bodies and fresh options at the position.
College tone and potential
Bankston played his final college season at the University of New Mexico in 2025. Across 13 games, he carried 114 times for 635 rushing yards, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt and scoring five rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, he added 31 receptions for 397 yards and three receiving touchdowns. Those numbers illustrate a back who can contribute in multiple ways, a trait that often translates well to the NFL, especially for teams looking for pass-catching backfield options or players who can help on third downs.
Preseason impressions
During the preseason, Bankston appeared in all three of New York’s exhibition games against Minnesota, Miami, and the Jets. Over 27 rushing attempts, he accumulated 73 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, and showed some burst with 2.29 yards after contact per attempt. He was targeted twice and caught both passes for two yards, indicating some versatility as a receiver, even if the receiving numbers weren’t the focal point of his showcase.
The standout performance came in the final preseason game against the Jets, where Bankston carried 11 times for 62 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and posted a solid efficiency profile. Pro Football Focus credited him with a 79.2 rushing grade and an 81.7 offensive grade for that game, plus 3.09 yards after contact per attempt. While preseason results don’t guarantee NFL production, that showing gave the Packers something to evaluate as they considered available options behind their presumed starter.
Current state of Green Bay’s backfield
Heading into the season, Green Bay’s running back room features three players on the 53-man roster: MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Kaleb Johnson. With Josh Jacobs on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, he remains unavailable for practice or game action, though he still counts toward the team’s salary cap and will continue to receive his pay while sidelined.
The Packers also have veteran Pierre Strong Jr. on the practice squad, a capable option who could be elevated to the active roster early in the year to provide immediate contribution while Johnson and others settle in. Strong’s familiarity with the system and his NFL experience position him as a reliable depth piece who can be called upon for short stints or as part of a rotating backfield.
Bankston’s role and development trajectory
Bankston’s addition to the practice squad is a strategic move to cultivate a developmental prospect who might be ready to contribute later in the season or in certain matchups. He represents a different profile from Strong: he’s younger, with upside, and the kind of player teams often cultivate as a longer-term asset. While he may not be summoned to the field immediately, the Packers can use him as a hidden asset, elevating him for specific games or situations as the season unfolds.
Why this path makes sense for Green Bay
– Depth and flexibility: With the backfield in flux and the absence of a starting running back on the roster, Bankston provides another option to develop. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver adds value in various formations and play calls.
– Cost-efficient development: Signing a rookie to the practice squad is a low-risk, high-potential move. If Bankston continues to grow, he could eventually become a contributor on the active roster, offering long-term value without a large initial investment.
– Evaluation against other options: The Packers can compare Bankston’s progress with existing players like Lloyd, Brooks, Johnson, and Strong, ensuring they optimize the mix of veterans and young depth to handle the season’s grind.
What to watch as the season approaches
– Practice performance: Observers should monitor Bankston’s development during practices and any elevated opportunities in the event of injuries or performance gaps in the current backfield.
– Special teams potential: In late-stage NFL development stories, players who can contribute on special teams often secure a path to the active roster. Bankston’s progress in coverage and return roles could influence his trajectory.
– Game-day elevation: If the team encounters injuries or needs additional depth for specific games, Bankston could be elevated to the active roster for limited duties, particularly if he demonstrates reliable blocking and pass protection in addition to ball carrying and receiving.
In summary, Green Bay’s signing of Damon Bankston to the practice squad reflects a proactive approach to rebuilding a backfield that has faced challenges as the season looms. Bankston’s dual-threat skill set, combined with his developmental potential, gives the Packers a promising young option to watch as they navigate the early stages of the campaign. While immediate production isn’t guaranteed, the move aligns with a longer-term plan to build a versatile and resilient backfield.
