The New York Giants terminated the contract of undrafted running back Damon Bankston on Saturday as they trimmed the roster ahead of Sunday’s 53-man deadline.
Bankston was one of eight players released after Friday’s 23-6 preseason win over the Jets. The group also included cornerback Ugo Amadi, tight end Josiah Deguara, defensive lineman Leki Fotu, receivers Isaiah Hodgins and Kobe Prentice, offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes, and linebacker Anfernee Orji.
The move was not a shock. New York’s backfield is crowded with Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, and veteran Najee Harris, who signed in mid-August.
Bankston, a 23-year-old from Katy, Tx., signed as an undrafted free agent in May after one season at New Mexico and four at Weber State. He never had a clear path to the initial 53.
That does not mean he lacked value. Bankston is a versatile weapon who can run, catch, and return kicks. In 2025 at New Mexico he rushed 114 times for 635 yards and five touchdowns, caught 31 passes for 397 yards and three scores, and returned 12 kickoffs for 434 yards and two touchdowns.
That added up to 1,466 all-purpose yards and 10 total touchdowns. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and 12.8 yards per reception, and he posted a 36.2-yard kick-return average.
He showed the same range in preseason. Bankston finished second on the Giants in rushing with 73 yards on 21 carries, including 62 yards on 11 attempts against the Jets. He also caught two passes and returned a kickoff 29 yards.
At 5-foot-10 and about 186 pounds, he is undersized by NFL standards, but he has speed (a 4.43-second 40 at his pro day), vision, and natural hands. Scouts long described him as a change-of-pace back and special-teams threat rather than a featured runner.
His college résumé supports that profile. Over his career he piled up nearly 3,000 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns, plus receiving production and return touchdowns.
At Weber State, he was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2024. The Giants liked the Swiss-army-knife skill set enough to give him a camp look even after skipping running back in the draft.
The numbers were not enough to beat out established names or the late addition of Harris. Bankston now hits waivers. If he clears, he is a strong practice-squad candidate for New York or another club that needs a returner and a third-down back who can create mismatches.
For a player who can contribute in three phases, the cut is a setback, not the end of the story.
