Packers planning to sign DT Mazi Smith to practice squad

The Packers are moving quickly on former Cowboys first-round pick Mazi Smith, planning to sign the defensive tackle to their practice squad a day after hosting him for a workout. Adam Schefter reports the plan, citing Green Bay beat writer Rob Demovsky.

The Packers' need for defensive line depth is real: they placed defensive tackles Jonathan Ford and Javon Hargrave on injured reserve over the weekend, thinning a room that has leaned on its rotation through the first six weeks. A practice-squad addition would give the club a developmental option without using an active-roster spot.

Smith, the 26th overall pick in 2023 out of Michigan, has bounced around since leaving Dallas — he was with the Jets last season and played one game for the Dolphins this year before being released. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he still offers the kind of size Green Bay's front has lacked with its recent losses.