Packers Release Offensive Tackle Just 7 Days After Promoting Him

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Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.

The Green Bay Packers are parting ways with one of their offensive tackles just seven days after they originally promoted him from their practice squad.

According to the team’s transaction wire, the Packers released rookie offensive tackle Brant Banks on Tuesday from their 53-man roster in a bit of bye-week maintenance.

Banks had signed with the Packers in the spring after going unselected in the 2025 NFL draft and competed for a backup role in their offensive tackle rotation in training camp, missing the cut for the initial 53-man roster but earning a place on their practice squad.

The Packers then elevated him to the game-day roster for Week 2’s matchup with the Washington Commanders before signing him outright to the 53-man roster in Week 4.

In the first two appearances of his career, though, Banks did not log a single snap of offense for the Packers, playing only a limited role for their special teams (six snaps). His usage indicates the Packers promoted him purely as an injury safeguard, with three of their top seven offensive linemen — including two veteran starters — out in Week 4.

The Packers (2-1-1) will have the week off before reconvening next week for their fifth game of the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) on October 12.

Could Christian Watson Take Brant Banks’ Roster Spot?

The Packers did not make a corresponding roster move on Tuesday to fill the spot that Banks vacated on their 53-man roster. There is an obvious candidate to fill it, though.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters Tuesday that there is a chance the team will open wide receiver Christian Watson’s practice window following their bye week.

“That’s been in discussion,” LaFleur said when asked about Watson’s possible return.

The 2022 second-rounder has been on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list recovering from the ACL tear that he sustained last January, but he is eligible to return once the Packers give him the green light after missing a mandated four games.

Once the Packers designate Watson for return, they will have 21 days to activate him to the 53-man roster or — if he is not ready — shelve him on the PUP list for the season.

Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd and guard/center Jacob Monk are also eligible to return to practice this week, having each started the year on the injured reserve list.

Does Roster Move Suggest Good News on OL Injuries?

The Packers signed Banks to the 53-man roster last week to secure more depth for their injury-battered offensive tackle room against the Dallas Cowboys in prime time. Could his release indicate good news is on the way for the Packers regarding their injuries?

The Packers did not have their starting left guard (Aaron Banks) or either of their top two right tackles (Zach Tom and rookie Anthony Belton) available for Sunday night’s game against the Cowboys because of injuries, putting a sizeable thorn in their side.

While they survived with backups Jordan Morgan and Darian Kinnard — who played well at right tackle — it left the lingering impression that their bye week was coming at the right time for them, especially after failing to win in two consecutive weeks.

The Packers won’t likely provide meaningful updates on any of their three injured offensive linemen until they return to start preparing for Week 6, but it is encouraging for at least Tom’s and Belton’s statuses that they felt comfortable discarding Banks.

Jordan J. Wilson is a sports reporter who covers the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. He has previously covered all levels of sports — high school, college and pro — for a variety of publications including The Indianapolis Star, The News-Gazette, Springfield State-Journal Register and Peoria Journal Star. More about Jordan J. Wilson