MAJOR SETBACK: Seattle Seahawks Confirm Devastating Season-Ending Injuries to Rookies Kenny McIntosh and Rylie Mills
In a sobering turn for the Seahawks, the organization has officially confirmed that two promising young talents—running back Kenny McIntosh and defensive lineman Rylie Mills—are facing season-ending injuries, delivering a major blow to Seattle’s depth and future outlook. The news arrives just as training camp begins to ramp up, casting a shadow over what had been a positive start to the offseason.
McIntosh, on track to compete for the third-string running back role and special teams duties, suffered a likely torn ACL during a special teams drill on July 26. The third-year back was injured during a punt return exercise and had to be carried off the field by trainers, unable to bear weight on his left leg. The injury is presumed to be season-ending unless further medical evaluation reveals a less severe diagnosis, and it immediately raises serious concerns about the Seahawks’ special teams and depth at running back.
McIntosh had seen his role grow steadily since being a seventh-round pick in 2023 out of Georgia. Though limited to just three games his rookie year due to IR, he appeared in all 17 games last season, contributing both as a runner and kick returner, amassing 172 rushing yards and averaging 25.5 yards per return on special teams. At 25 years old, he was gaining traction within the roster and carving out a niche as a dependable contributor. Now, that momentum has been abruptly halted by what is feared to be a torn ACL.
On the defensive side, rookie fifth-round pick Rylie Mills, a powerful interior presence selected from Notre Dame in the 2025 draft, has also suffered a torn ACL—an injury that could compromise his rookie season before it even begins Mills, who was anticipated to bolster Seattle’s defensive line depth, had been recovering from the injury since late last season at Notre Dame and was projected to contribute to pass-rush packages once healthy. Although team officials and the player himself had been optimistic about his rehab, the injury will likely push his return well into the 2025 campaign, if not beyond.
Together, these injuries represent significant setbacks for Seattle’s emerging roster. Losing McIntosh removes a special-teams ace and rotational weapon, while Mills’ absence strips the defensive line of a high-effort edge player who had shown promise in college.
Field Gulls’ camp coverage dubbed McIntosh’s injury a primary concern, describing it as a potentially season-ending event that tests Seattle’s early depth on offense and special teams immediately into camp. With both players now out, the Seahawks must recalibrate. McIntosh’s role may be passed to seventh-round rookie Damien Martinez, while Steven Sims could assume kick return duties in his absence.
These injuries come at a pivotal moment. As the team prepares for its final non-padded practice before the regular season, other veterans like Jarran Reed and DeMarcus Lawrence were rested, and Shaquill Griffin remained inactive for personal reasons. The absence of McIntosh and Mills adds pressure to younger players and reshapes the early training camp dynamics.
For fans and the franchise alike, these developments are a harsh reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. Seattle had high hopes for both McIntosh and Mills as key contributors in 2025. Instead, the early part of the season will now demand internal adjustments, potential roster moves, and a reliance on backups and depth players.
Though rehabilitation and return timelines are still speculative, one thing is clear: the losses of Kenny McIntosh and Rylie Mills mark a serious setback to Seattle’s training camp momentum and depth chart. The team will need to regroup fast and lean on its remaining depth to weather the storm and stay competitive throughout the season.
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