Packers Sign Ex-cowboys First-rounder Ahead of Lions Clash

WHO:

packers.com - The Green Bay Packers signed defensive tackle Mazi Smith to their practice squad and released running back Damon Bankston from the practice squad.

packers.com - General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the roster transactions.

packers.com - Smith is a fourth-year player from the University of Michigan. His name is pronounced “MAH-zee.”

Newsweek - The Packers signed Mazi Smith, a former Dallas Cowboys first-round pick, to their practice squad.

WHAT:

dallascowboys.com - Dallas lost 23–13 to Green Bay; the Packers converted 11 of 18 third downs, gained 117 yards after the catch, and scored 23 points.

dallascowboys.com - Dallas linebacker Dee Winters recorded the Cowboys’ first interception of the season against Jordan Love and the Packers; coach Brian Schottenheimer called it “maybe his best game for us” before Winters suffered an Achilles strain.

dallascowboys.com - Packers receiver Matthew Golden had six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown against Dallas.

dallascowboys.com - Dak Prescott threw two interceptions; Brandon Cisse intercepted one.

dallascowboys.com - Green Bay led 17–0 at halftime after scoring on a drive that included a third-down completion to Golden at the two-yard line.

dallascowboys.com - Dallas had struggled to pass against opposing blitzes for a second consecutive week.

packers.com - Smith is listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 319 pounds and will wear No. 63 for Green Bay.

packers.com - Dallas selected Smith 26th overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

packers.com - Smith played for the Cowboys from 2023–25, the New York Jets in 2025, and the Miami Dolphins in 2026.

packers.com - Across 43 games, including 20 starts, Smith recorded 57 tackles (31 solo), two sacks, six quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, and 12 Next Gen Stat QB pressures.

packers.com - Smith was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and Michigan’s 2022 Defensive Player of the Year.

WHERE:

packers.com - The signing places Smith on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad.

packers.com - Smith played college football at the University of Michigan and is a Michigan native.

WHEN:

Newsweek - The Packers signed Smith ahead of their game against the Detroit Lions.

HOW:

packers.com - Green Bay’s roster moves were signing Smith to its practice squad and releasing Bankston from that squad.

Green Bay beat Dallas 23 to 13, building a 17-point halftime lead as the Packers converted 11 of 18 third downs and gained 117 yards after the catch. Matthew Golden caught six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown, while Dak Prescott threw two interceptions, including one by Brandon Cisse. Dallas linebacker Dee Winters recorded the Cowboys’ first interception of the season, and coach Brian Schottenheimer called it “maybe his best game for us” before Winters suffered an Achilles strain.