Training camp is the place to make the most out of a bad situation. It’s unfortunate that Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh has been lost for the season with a torn ACL, but the business of the NFL is always next man up. With more reps and a stronger chance at nabbing the RB3 spot, seventh-round pick Damien Martinez must take advantage.
So far, he’s done that. Monday’s practice was an opportunity for him to show what he can do with the pads on as a bruising runner. Still, with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet at the top of the depth chart, touches will be hard to come by without something extra to lean on.
Martinez got the memo, showcasing his chops in pass protection that would make any coach blush at the excellence of his technique.
Damien Martinez appears to be making the most of his chance at Seattle Seahawks training camp
Ahead of this rep, Walker lost his rep, as did George Holani. It’s just one round of pass blocking reps, but Martinez showed strength and quick feet, anchoring down on the defender and mirroring his lateral movement to stonewall him.
Pass protection has long been the most underrated value a running back can bring to the team, but it's one of the easiest ways to get on the field. Even if Martinez might struggle for touches, if he can ensure that Sam Darnold is going to be safe from any blitzing backers, then Martinez is going to be on the field this fall.
READ MORE: Seahawks first cut of training camp just became painfully obvious
At the very least, reps like that will go a long way towards ensuring that he not only makes the 53-man roster, but that he gets a helmet on Sundays as the No. 3 back on the depth chart.
Damien Martinez had one of the best 1-on-1 pass pro periods I’ve seen by a back in nine years on the #Seahawks beat. pic.twitter.com/6EtkuBWz7e
— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) July 28, 2025
Martinez had over 1,002 yards and 10 scores while averaging 6.3 yards per carry in his lone season at Miami. The 6-foot, 230-pound back fell to the seventh round largely because he lacks homerun speed, and ironically enough, this Bleacher Report scouting profile indicated that his pass pro technique needed refinement, too.
Nonetheless, it seems the Seahawks have found another body to trust in the backfield, especially with pass protection. Still, one rep is not enough; Martinez will have to continue to show consistency in this area and more to ensure his spot as the next option after Walker and Charbonnet.