Seahawks ‘Explosive’ RB Ready to Get NFL Debut v 49ers

admin | November 21, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Seattle Seahawks’ top rushing back, Kenneth Walker III, left the game in the first quarter due to an oblique injury and did not return during the team’s heartbreaking 17-16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Seahawks, expressed optimism to reporters on Monday, November 20, that Walker would not go on injured reserve. Walker is unlikely to suit up on Thanksgiving Day against the San Francisco 49ers, though.

Fortunately, Kenny McIntosh, the Seahawks’ running back, is primed to make his NFL debut. Carroll remarked of Seattle’s seventh-round choice in the 2023 NFL Draft, “He’s going right to the front.”

When the Seahawks chose Kenny McIntosh on Day 3 of the draft, they were originally criticized. With Zach Charbonnet, a UCLA star, selected with a second-round choice and Walker expected to start at running back, the move seemed unnecessary.

But when Walker (groin) and Charbonnet (shoulder) suffered injuries during training camp, McIntosh took advantage of his opportunity to shine. “I think one of the highlights has been Kenny,” Carroll said to reporters on July 30.

The former Bulldog was a healthy scratch against the Rams despite being activated from injured reserve last week. On August 4, during the Seahawks simulated game, McIntosh first hurt his knee. “Linebacker Levi Bell rode McIntosh to the ground, wrenching his left leg awkwardly,” said Fox 13 Seattle.

Kenny McIntosh Is Much ‘Quicker’ Than His 40-Yard Dash Time

Despite helping Georgia win two national titles, McIntosh’s draft stock declined after he ran the 40-yard sprint at the NFL Scouting Combine in 4.62 seconds, placing him third among running backs in Indianapolis that day, according to SI.

Seattle has subsequently seen McIntosh demonstrate that day was not a good one. Carroll stated, “He’s really quick out there.” “We are amazed at how quick he has looked 4.53 or something like that, the coaches have said. That’s not the problem because there are a lot of excellent running backs that run at that moment. All I can say is that he has appeared more quickly than he did during the spring. Everyone is enthused about it.

It seemed like McIntosh had a genuine chance to unseat seasoned Deejay Dallas as the team’s third back prior to suffering an injury.

The 23-year-old prospect is more than capable of finding big runs over the tackles and develops into a more physical finisher as the run goes on, according to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein in his pre-draft assessment. When alone out of the backfield, McIntosh has the ability to mismatch coverages thanks to his exceptional hands. He might develop into an RB2 if he gets regular third-down touches.

Seahawks QB Geno Smith Remains Questionable for Week 12

Along with losing Walker to the Rams, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was hit hard by Rams lineman Aaron Donald, injuring his right elbow.

Smith made a comeback to the game in the fourth quarter, going 22-of-34 for 233 yards and one score, but it is unclear if he will play in Thursday’s divisional matchup.

Carroll said Smith has “a great chance to make it back” to reporters on Monday. Drew Lock’s effectiveness as a backup quarterback has the 12s hopeful that Smith can play. Lock replaced Smith, who was hurt, and completed two out of six throws for three yards and an interception.

On a short week, the Seahawks (6-4) must rally from their loss to the Rams to overcome the 49ers (7-3) by all means. It’s critical to Seattle’s playoff aspirations.