A significant setback has hit the Seattle Seahawks’ roster and former Georgia Bulldogs star, running back Kenny McIntosh, who has been placed on the Injured Reserve list following a confirmed torn ACL. This devastating injury, sustained during recent training camp activities, casts a long shadow over his immediate future in the NFL and is expected to sideline him for the entire 2025 regular season, a tough blow for both the player and the team.
The initial fears regarding McIntosh’s injury, which emerged from camp last Saturday, were unfortunately confirmed after medical evaluation. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald officially acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that McIntosh would require surgery this week. This prompt confirmation underscores the critical nature of the injury and the swift action taken by the team’s medical staff.
McIntosh’s injury comes at a particularly challenging time as he was actively vying for a crucial role within Seattle’s talented backfield. Heading into camp, he was in direct competition with promising rookie Damien Martinez and second-year player George Holani for the third-string running back position, behind established starters Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. This unexpected absence now reshapes the team’s depth chart and forces other players to step up.
Despite being a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, McIntosh began to show flashes of his potential in the 2024 season. After a limited role in his rookie year, he saw considerably more action, demonstrating his capabilities by rushing for 172 yards on 31 carries and adding three receptions for 22 yards. His burgeoning performance had hinted at a more prominent role moving forward, making this injury even more disheartening.
Before making his mark in the NFL, Kenny McIntosh was an indispensable component of the formidable rushing attack at the University of Georgia from 2019 to 2022. During his illustrious collegiate career, he amassed an impressive 1,582 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. His senior season in 2022 was particularly stellar, where he led the Bulldogs in rushing yards with 829 and touchdowns with 10, playing a pivotal role in their dominant championship campaigns.
McIntosh’s torn ACL sadly adds his name to a growing list of talented running backs, especially those from the Georgia program, whose NFL careers have been impacted by significant injuries. Notably, former Georgia standout Nick Chubb suffered a severe foot injury in 2024, coming just a year after he endured a torn ACL and MCL. Such setbacks highlight the brutal physical demands of professional football and the challenges athletes face in maintaining peak performance.
Looking ahead, Kenny McIntosh will now embark on a rigorous rehabilitation journey with the goal of returning to the field for the 2026 NFL season. While the path to recovery from a torn ACL is arduous, modern medicine and dedicated therapy offer promising prospects. The Seahawks running back is scheduled for surgery on August 12 in Dallas, Texas, marking the first critical step in his long road back to competitive play.
