“TOUGH BLOW FOR FORMER BULLDOG: Ex-Georgia RB Kenny McIntosh Lands on IR with Torn ACL, Putting NFL Season in Jeopardy”
The news that former Georgia Bulldogs running back Kenny McIntosh has landed on injured reserve with a torn ACL sent shockwaves through both the NFL and college football communities. For McIntosh, this represents a significant hurdle at a pivotal moment in his professional career. Once a rising prospect with a blend of pass-catching skills and backfield versatility that had NFL scouts intrigued, McIntosh now faces the grueling reality of a long-term recovery and the uncertainty that shadows every injured player. The moment his diagnosis was confirmed, it not only altered the plans of the team that had invested in him, but also sparked reflection among Georgia fans and NFL analysts who had been watching his development with high hopes.
Kenny McIntosh was a key contributor in Georgia’s rise to national prominence, playing a critical role in their back-to-back national championship runs. His patience, balance, and versatility made him an invaluable asset in a crowded Georgia backfield. In his final season at Georgia, McIntosh posted career-best numbers, rushing for 829 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 43 receptions for 505 yards and two more scores. That type of dual-threat capability is exactly what many NFL teams covet in a modern running back, and his performances against top-tier defenses only added to his draft stock.
After being selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, McIntosh was seen as a low-risk, high-upside addition to a talented running back room that included Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Unfortunately, his rookie season was derailed before it even began due to a preseason injury, one that kept him from ever gaining real momentum or carving out a role on the active roster. Despite flashes in practice and a few preseason moments that teased his potential, McIntosh spent his rookie year mostly on the sidelines, rehabbing and waiting for his opportunity.
Heading into the 2024 preseason, there was renewed optimism surrounding McIntosh. Reports from minicamp and OTAs indicated he was healthier, stronger, and more confident. Seahawks coaches had spoken publicly about his improved vision, quickness, and football IQ. He was expected to push for meaningful snaps as a rotational back and third-down option, particularly given his ability to catch passes out of the backfield—a role that neither Walker nor Charbonnet had firmly claimed. It was supposed to be his chance to finally make good on the promise he showed at Georgia.
But now, with the announcement that he has suffered a torn ACL during training camp and will miss the entire 2025 NFL season, those plans have been thrown into disarray. The Seahawks placed him on injured reserve almost immediately after the diagnosis, a procedural move that effectively ends his season before it begins. A torn ACL is one of the most serious injuries a player can suffer, often requiring a full year or more to recover both physically and mentally. For a young player trying to establish himself, it can be a devastating setback—not just in terms of development, but in earning trust from coaches and finding a foothold in a competitive roster environment.
The timing of the injury couldn’t be worse. McIntosh was entering a make-or-break year, one in which he needed to showcase not just skill, but durability and reliability. With the NFL being a league defined by “what have you done for me lately,” opportunities can vanish quickly—especially at the running back position, where careers are short and replacements are always waiting. Roster spots are precious, and a long-term injury often forces teams to move on, even from players they once believed in.
There’s also the broader concern of what this injury could mean for McIntosh’s career trajectory. While medical technology and rehabilitation methods have drastically improved over the past decade, an ACL tear still requires extensive recovery and carries no guarantees. For a player whose game is built on agility, cuts, and acceleration, the concern is not just whether he can return, but whether he can return to the same level of explosiveness. Many backs have successfully come back from similar injuries, but the margin for error is small, particularly for a player who wasn’t a first-round pick and hasn’t had the opportunity to produce on the field.
From Georgia’s perspective, the injury has also cast a somber note over what has otherwise been a celebratory period of NFL success for its alumni. With stars like Brock Bowers, Jalen Carter, and Jordan Davis thriving at the next level, the Bulldogs have developed a reputation as an NFL talent factory. McIntosh, while not a headliner like those names, was a well-liked and well-respected member of those dominant Georgia teams. He was seen as a glue guy—a player who kept the locker room balanced, brought energy to practice, and stepped up in big moments without demanding the spotlight. His injury is a reminder of the harsh realities of the NFL, where even the most talented and beloved college players must contend with the physical toll of the game.
His coaches and teammates at Georgia have been quick to offer public support. Kirby Smart, known for his tough-love coaching style, had long praised McIntosh’s growth as both a player and a person during his time in Athens. Former teammates like Stetson Bennett, Kearis Jackson, and James Cook took to social media to send their well wishes, emphasizing his work ethic and mental toughness. That kind of support system will be crucial as McIntosh begins the long journey back from injury.
In the short term, the Seahawks will need to adjust their depth chart and game plan without McIntosh in the fold. While the team is relatively deep at running back, losing a player with his specific skill set changes how they can deploy formations, especially in third-down scenarios. It may prompt Seattle’s front office to look at veteran free agents or practice squad options to fill the void, though no immediate moves have been announced.
From a business standpoint, the injury also raises questions about McIntosh’s future with the organization. Seventh-round picks don’t come with much guaranteed money, and with only one year remaining on his rookie deal, it’s possible that McIntosh could become a cap casualty or be waived with an injury settlement if the team decides to move in a different direction next offseason. If that happens, he would need to prove his health to another team in what would likely be a training camp tryout or futures contract situation in 2026.
Yet despite all the uncertainty, there is reason to believe Kenny McIntosh can write a comeback story. His collegiate career was marked by perseverance. He waited behind stars like D’Andre Swift, Zamir White, and James Cook before finally becoming Georgia’s lead back. When given the opportunity, he delivered with consistency and maturity. He’s been doubted before, and each time, he’s responded with growth and resilience. Those same traits will be critical now.
The road ahead won’t be easy. ACL rehab is not just about surgery—it’s about relentless dedication to physical therapy, regaining confidence, and battling the mental weight of a career that feels like it’s paused while the world keeps spinning. For McIntosh, this injury is not the end, but it is a defining moment. If he can return healthy and hungry, there’s still a path forward. He may have to fight for a roster spot, take the long road back through practice squads or preseason reps, but as countless players have proven before him, it’s possible.
As the 2025 season progresses without him, fans of both Georgia and the Seahawks will watch with hope, waiting to see how McIntosh responds to adversity once again. Football is a brutal sport—one where injury and heartbreak are part of the fabric of the game—but it also has room for redemption. Kenny McIntosh has the heart, the talent, and the history to earn his way back. And when he does, those who watched him rise through the ranks in Athens won’t be surprised. They’ll be cheering for the comeback louder than ever.
