As the Green Bay Packers finalize their roster ahead of Week 1, a familiar name has resurfaced on the waiver wire. The New York Giants waived running back Damon Bankston on Saturday, just days before the regular season kicks off. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Bankston was a pre-draft visitor with the Packers this spring, making him a prime candidate for Green Bay to pursue—either via waivers or as a practice squad addition.
A System Fit in the Making
The Packers' offense under Matt LaFleur appears to be shifting back to its roots in 2026, with an increased emphasis on outside zone runs and bootlegs. This scheme requires explosive backs who can hit the hole with speed and make defenders miss in space—traits that Bankston showcased during his college career. At 5'10" and 196 pounds, he ran a blazing 4.43-second 40-yard dash and posted an elite 6.89-second three-cone time, numbers that scream "home run threat." For a team that lacked a true game-breaker in the backfield during preseason, Bankston's skill set could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
College Production and Efficiency
Bankston's lone FBS season at New Mexico was marked by efficiency and versatility. He rushed for 635 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and five touchdowns, while also hauling in 31 receptions for 397 yards and three scores—an impressive 12.8 yards per reception for a running back. Despite being part of a committee for the 9-4 Lobos, he led the team in yards from scrimmage. Before his time in Albuquerque, Bankston was an All-Conference performer and team captain at Weber State, also contributing as a returner. His all-around ability makes him an intriguing option for a Packers squad that values positional flexibility.
Why the Giants Let Him Go
In New York, Bankston struggled to carve out a role, partly due to the Giants' offseason additions at the position, including the signing of Najee Harris. With a crowded backfield, Bankston's preseason numbers were modest—21 carries for 73 yards (3.5 YPC) and two catches for two yards—but his potential remains untapped. The Giants' loss could be the Packers' gain, especially given Green Bay's historical tendency to target pre-draft visitors who become available later.
"Since 2022, the Packers have signed, traded for, drafted, or claimed 36 players who were pre-draft visitors," noted a Vulius NFL Analysis Desk report. "When these players hit the market, Green Bay often makes a move."
Financial and Strategic Considerations
This spring, Bankston chose the Giants over the Packers, signing a deal with $115,000 guaranteed—far more than the $15,000 Green Bay gave undrafted free agent Jaden Nixon. However, the financial landscape has changed. If the Packers don't claim him off waivers, they could still sign him to the practice squad, where players have the freedom to choose their preferred destination. The Packers have successfully poached pre-draft visitors to the practice squad before, as seen with tight end Josh Whyle last year, who quickly made an impact on the active roster.
What's Next for Bankston and the Packers?
As the Packers evaluate their running back room ahead of Week 1, Bankston's availability presents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. His speed and elusiveness could provide a spark to an offense that lacked explosive plays during the preseason—Bankston's 73 rushing yards would have led all Packers backs. With the waiver claim deadline approaching, the football world will be watching to see if Green Bay seizes this second chance to bring Bankston into the fold. As always, stay tuned to Vulius for the latest developments on this evolving story.
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