Aaron Banks’ return raises stakes in battle for OL playing time

Posted by Admin August 19, 2026 NFL

It’s not at all a stretch to say Aaron Banks has been a disappointment as a free agent signing.

The $77 million man was active in 11-on-11 drills for the first time in this year’s training camp on Tuesday, but he has ground to make up. 2026 draft pick Jager Burton and Jacob Monk have been making hay in Banks’ absence, which, frankly, is not how it should be. If you spend that much on a free agent prospect, he should be an absolute slam dunk as a starter. It shouldn’t even be a question.

But that’s not where the Packers find themselves. Banks is in a fight for playing time, one he should probably win, but he shouldn’t be fighting at all.

Can Banks right the ship? Can he hold off Monk and Burton? Or are we headed for a season where Banks is a very expensive backup?

The answer isn’t clear as of right now. If I had to guess, I’d say Banks will probably come out on top in the short term, but we’ve seen the Packers carry position battles into the regular season. Whatever happens in training camp, this probably isn’t going to be over any time soon, and it’s hard to think Banks will be a member of the Packers in 2027 if this is how things are shaking out now.

Aaron Banks shows progress with starting job on line | Packers News ($)

Banks is back. Is it too little too late?

2026 Green Bay Packers training camp: Latest intel, updates | ESPN

More on Banks’ progress here plus a look at a late-camp surge from Brenton Cox Jr.

Winners, Losers From Practice 13 of Packers Training Camp Includes Embattled Starter | Sports Illustrated

Jordan Love had his best practice of camp on Tuesday as he continues to build toward the regular season.

Matt LaFleur outlines plan for playing time during final 2 preseason games | Packers Wire

Friday night will be your last chance to see the Packers’ starters on the field until Week 1.

NFL hot seat for all 32 teams, including 13 former first-round picks and one rookie under the most pressure | CBS Sports

I like this approach. Who would you guess is on the “hot seat” for the Packers?

Florida man breaks own record with mini basketball shot from 102 feet | UPI

This is some premium grade dude stuff right here.

Packers discussion in the feed

If the battle between Aaron Banks, Jager Burton, and Jacob Monk doesn’t produce enough results, or if Anthony Belton washes out, should the Packers give Wisconsin-native Kevin Zeitler a call? Give us your thoughts.