Packers Promote Brant Banks, Make Roster Moves

The Green Bay Packers released WR Mecole Hardman, signed OT Brant Banks to the active 53-man roster and added WR Jakobie Keeney-James to the practice squad. Banks, a 6-foot-7, 25-year-old undrafted free agent out of Nebraska and Rice who has appeared in 51 Division I games, had been elevated for Week 2 and is now promoted to the 53-man roster for the remainder of the season. The move addresses early-season offensive-line depth concerns after injuries to Zach Tom and Aaron Banks; Green Bay briefly carried 51 players so no corresponding roster move was immediately required. Those roster changes follow a 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns that highlighted passing-game struggles while key receivers Jayden Reed and Christian Watson work back from injury. Some observers have floated more aggressive upgrades — including an unlikely, costly trade for Tyreek Hill — but such options remain speculative.