GREEN BAY, Wis. – In a move that’s left fans scratching their heads and rookie offensive lineman Brant Banks staring at an uncertain future, the Green Bay Packers have waived the undrafted free agent from Rice University just hours after their bizarre 20-20 tie against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The decision, announced Tuesday afternoon, comes at the worst possible time for the 23-year-old Banks, who was thrust into the spotlight last week only to be unceremoniously cut loose as the Packers head into their Week 5 bye.
The tie itself was a gut-punch for Packer Nation—a last-second field goal blocked by Dallas, followed by a hail-mary heave from Jordan Love that somehow stayed incomplete, leaving Lambeau Field in stunned silence. It was the NFL’s first tie of the 2025 season, sparking endless debates about officiating, clock management, and whether Matt LaFleur’s conservative play-calling cost Green Bay a victory. But amid the controversy, the Packers’ front office wasted no time reshaping their roster, creating two open spots on the 53-man active roster and signaling a potential shake-up for their return against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6.
For Banks, it’s the epitome of a rookie’s rollercoaster. Signed to the practice squad after going undrafted in April, the 6-foot-5, 320-pound tackle impressed in training camp with his athleticism and raw power. But injuries ravaged Green Bay’s offensive line heading into the Cowboys matchup, forcing the team to scramble. Last Wednesday, the Packers elevated Lecitus Smith from the practice squad—a player they’d just inked days earlier—to bolster their depth. Then, on Saturday, they promoted Banks himself to the 53-man roster, preserving his practice squad eligibility and ensuring they had eight bodies up front for a game that demanded every available arm.
Banks didn’t see a snap against Dallas, but his brief elevation bought the Packers precious flexibility. Now, with the dust settled on that maddening draw, Green Bay pulled the trigger on his release. The move opens the door for returns from injured reserve and the physically unable to perform list, including promising rookies like running back MarShawn Lloyd (knee), receiver Christian Watson (hamstring), offensive lineman Jacob Monk (ankle), offensive lineman John Williams (concussion protocol), and defensive end Collin Oliver (shoulder). Head coach Matt LaFleur dropped a tantalizing hint during his Tuesday presser: “We’re optimistic about getting Christian [Watson] back out there next Monday for practice. At minimum, that’s the plan.”
The timing couldn’t be more intriguing. As it stands, the Packers are down to just six healthy offensive linemen on the active roster—a precarious situation that forces tough choices on gameday. NFL rules grant teams an extra 48th roster spot if they dress eight linemen, a luxury Green Bay desperately needs with their patchwork unit already tested. But LaFleur’s confidence suggests reinforcements are imminent. Insiders point to Zach Tom (elbow), Aaron Banks (back), and Anthony Belton (knee)—three starters who sat out the Cowboys fiasco—as likely candidates to return post-bye. “If we’re willing to let Brant go now, especially with nearly two weeks until Cincy, it means we’re pretty damn sure at least two of those guys are suiting up,” one Packers beat writer noted.
So why the elaborate dance with Banks’ status in the first place? It’s a masterclass in roster Tetris, laced with a dash of gamesmanship. Had the Packers simply elevated Banks from the practice squad for the Dallas game, it would’ve burned his second of three allowable call-ups for the season— a precious commodity with 12 games left. Instead, they slotted him onto the 53-man roster, keeping those elevation slots intact for future emergencies.
But there’s more to it than math. Enter the Cleveland Browns, who were sniffing around the tackle market last week after placing star right tackle Dawand Jones on IR with a season-ending knee injury. Banks’ position coach at Rice? None other than Browns offensive line guru Mike Bloomgren, who raved about his former pupil during the draft process. Poaching Banks off Green Bay’s practice squad would’ve required Cleveland to commit to him on their 53-man roster for three full weeks per league rules—a risk they might’ve taken.
By elevating Banks to the active roster, the Packers effectively shielded him from that threat. Sure enough, the Browns pivoted, trading for veteran Cam Robinson from the Houston Texans on Friday in a deal that sent a third-round pick the other way. With Cleveland’s need filled, Green Bay’s coast is clear. “This feels like a calculated block,” said Packers analyst Ian Hartitz. “They protected their asset when it mattered, and now they’re comfortable waiving him knowing he could clear waivers and return to the practice squad.”
Banks, of course, is now subject to the waiver wire. If he slips through unclaimed by Wednesday afternoon, the Packers are poised to re-sign him to their already bloated 17-man practice squad—necessitating a corresponding cut there to comply with the 17-player limit. It’s a low-risk bet for Green Bay: Retain a developmental piece without tying up active roster space, all while banking on their injured stars to heal.
For Banks, though, it’s a nightmare twist in what was supposed to be his breakthrough year. From practice squad hopeful to 53-man roster pawn to waiver-wire roulette in the span of a week—welcome to the NFL, kid. As the Packers lick their wounds from that Cowboys tie and plot their Bengal hunt, one thing’s clear: In Lambeau’s unforgiving trenches, survival is a weekly audition, and not every rookie gets a second take.
The Packers return to practice next Monday. By then, Watson could be flying down the sideline, and the O-line might look whole again. But for Brant Banks, the real question lingers: Will he be back in green and gold, or packing his bags for Cleveland—or beyond? In the league of broken dreams, that’s the rookie’s eternal gamble.