Patriots add former Packers linebacker to practice squad
The New England Patriots signed linebacker Keshawn Banks to their practice squad on Wednesday.
On Wednesday the New England Patriots filled their lone open practice squad spot, signing linebacker Keshawn Banks. The signing was announced Wednesday afternoon, but Banks was with the team for practice Wednesday morning.
Banks, 24, entered the NFL as a UDFA out of San Diego State last season. He signed with the Green Bay Packers, and was elevated from their practice squad during last year’s playoffs. The Packers released him during final roster cuts this past summer. Prior to signing with the Patriots, Banks had signed with the Michigan Panthers of the UFL.
This is the second time in as many weeks the Patriots have added a recent Packers player. Last week, they signed center Lecitus Smith off Green Bay’s practice squad to their active roster.
In college, Banks was named All-Mountain West in 2021 when he had five sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. In his final season in 2022 he posted 3.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss.
The Patriots now have three edge rushers on their practice squad. Banks joins Ochaun Mathis and Jotham Russell, although Russell is not eligible to be added to the active roster this year as an International Pathway Program player.
With Banks signed, the Patriots’ practice squad is back up to 16 players. The team had an open spot after releasing long snapper Tucker Addington on Tuesday.
