Seahawks training camp news for July 31: RB Kenny McIntosh suffers a season-ending ACL tear. Uchenna Nwosu's Week 1 status is in doubt. Read the latest.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It was a day of highs and lows at the VMAC, as the brutal reality of training camp hit home for the Seahawks. The promising backfield depth took a significant blow with running back Kenny McIntosh suffering a season-ending ACL tear, a tough break for the young player. But as one door closes, another opens, and the theme of Thursday's practice was clearly 'next man up' as fierce competition for roster spots heated up across the board.
He's a guy that may not be ready for Week 1. We're still working through that.
The toughest news of the day was the confirmation that running back Kenny McIntosh tore his ACL and will require surgery, ending his 2025 season before it began. The team officially placed him on injured reserve and moved quickly to fill the roster spot, signing running back D.K. Kaufman to provide much-needed depth. McIntosh's absence creates a significant void in the backfield rotation, putting more pressure on the top of the depth chart and opening a massive opportunity for Kaufman and others to earn a role.
The injury bug isn't limited to the offense. The defense is navigating a host of issues with key players. Head Coach Mike Macdonald voiced uncertainty about Uchenna Nwosu's availability for the season opener, as the edge rusher remains on the PUP list with a knee injury. He's not alone on the mend. First-round pick Byron Murphy II (back), Ernest Jones (knee), and Jerrick Reed II (quadriceps) are all questionable for Week 1, while Shaquill Griffin (illness) and Rylie Mills (knee) are also being monitored. This mounting list of ailments puts the defense's early-season readiness in serious question.
Amidst the injury concerns, some players are making the most of their reps. Safety D'Anthony Bell, who is fighting for the fourth safety spot, had the play of the day, intercepting a Sam Darnold pass intended for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. It's the kind of standout moment that coaches notice when evaluating roster bubble players. On the veteran side, new acquisition DeMarcus Lawrence is already making his presence felt, with Coach Macdonald praising his intensity and leadership, which is setting a high bar for the entire defensive front.
With every injury and every standout play, the shape of the final 53-man roster shifts. According to recent projections, several players are on the roster bubble as camp progresses. The lighter, non-padded practice on Wednesday was a prelude to the intensity to come, focusing on positional work and chemistry. But for players on the fringe, every single drill is an audition. The competition for backup roles and, crucially, special teams spots is white-hot, and the next few weeks will determine plenty of NFL futures.
The Seahawks are navigating the classic training camp gauntlet of injuries and opportunities. While the loss of McIntosh stings and the defensive injury list is concerning, the emergence of players like D'Anthony Bell is exactly what this period is for. As practices ramp up and the first preseason game approaches, the battles for roster spots will only intensify, forcing this team to forge its identity through adversity.
