The Seahawks have moved on from Kenny McIntosh, ending a frustrating run that never really got off the ground.
McIntosh, a seventh-round pick in 2023, arrived with a skill set that made him at least a little different from the average back. He had receiver traits, and that gave him a chance to carve out a role even in a crowded backfield. But the injuries kept stacking up before he could build any momentum.
He hurt his knee during training camp as a rookie and never found his footing that season, aside from a few special teams snaps. In 2024, there was at least a sign of life: he was active for every game and logged some work on offense and special teams.
Then came another brutal setback. McIntosh tore his ACL last July and still hadn’t recovered by the time the Seahawks reported for training camp last week.
That’s why the move felt inevitable once he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. He wasn’t just behind the rest of the running backs; he couldn’t even get on the field to compete for a spot. With the room already reshaped in the offseason, Seattle no longer had much room to wait.
There was still some hope among Seahawks fans that McIntosh could eventually turn into something useful. At one point, he offered a dimension this roster didn’t really have elsewhere, and not many backs around the league can do what he can do. But that possibility is effectively gone now, even if he clears waivers and reverts to the injured list.
For now, the Seahawks’ running back picture points elsewhere. Jadarian Price, George Holani, and Emanuel Wilson are set to open the season as the three backs, with Zach Charbonnet expected back whenever his health allows. McIntosh’s Seattle stint ends with the same theme that followed him from the start: talent, promise, and too many injuries.
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