A Seattle Seahawks fan might assume that the team let running back Kenny McIntosh go recently because of his terrible knee injury last year in training camp. That was his second knee injury in three seasons, and any concerns about his health are well-founded. That didn't stop the Indianapolis Colts from working him out on Friday, though.
That's the odd part. How could McIntosh look close to ready to play for any team? The same fan who assumes the RB was let go because of his knee issue could seemingly safely assume that he wouldn't be able to play anywhere close to the start of 2026 for the same reason.
Or maybe there is another reason. General manager John Schneider has a long history of releasing players who aren't going to make the roster in the new season early. That isn't because Schneider is a bad person. Far from it. Instead, he lets players go in enough time for them to find a new home before lots of other players are seeking the same.
Former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh works out for the Indianapolis Colts
This was the situation that unfolded with Richard Sherman, whom Schneider released just before the start of free agency in 2018. Doing so allowed Sherman to begin talking with other teams faster than others before the new NFL fiscal year started.
Kenny McIntosh, even if healthy, was a long shot to make the active 53-man roster. While Kenneth Walker III left in free agency and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, the team took Jadarian Price in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Plus, veteran Zach Charbonnet might be ready to return sooner than expected.
If that happens, and the Seattle Seahawks only keep three tailbacks on the roster, Price and Charbonnet would be two. The others battling for RB3 (and even RB4) would be George Holani and free agent signee Emanuel Wilson. McIntosh wouldn't have found a place to sit if the competition involved musical chairs.
As Kenny McIntosh was never disruptive in the locker room or complained about his position on the team, the hope is that he does find another home. Maybe that will be with the Indianapolis Colts, who do need a solid backup to Jonathan Taylor, and McIntosh might have his first real chance to make an impact in the NFL.
At least, he seems healthy enough to attempt a workout with at least one team. If he can play, he should. The running back could turn into the kind of producer the Seahawks shouldn't have let get away. Or maybe it's a win-win, and Seattle keeps succeeding, and McIntosh finally gets his chance to do the same elsewhere.
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