In a move that has left Seattle Seahawks fans scratching their heads, the team released rookie running back Damien Martinez from their practice squad just days before the 2025 season kicks off. This decision comes after Martinez showed flashes of star potential in college, raising questions about the team’s backfield depth. What does this mean for a squad aiming to rebound? Let’s dive in.
The Surprise Release and Its Timing
The Seahawks made headlines on August 26, 2025, when they waived Damien Martinez as part of their roster cuts to reach the 53-man limit. Selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the 21-year-old from Lewisville, Texas, had high hopes pinned on him after a strong college career.
Martinez joined the team’s practice squad shortly after, but on September 2, 2025, Seattle released him again, ending his brief stint with the organization. This quick turnaround has sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Martinez’s release opens spots for others, but it also highlights potential risks in the Seahawks’ running back group as they gear up for their opener against the San Francisco 49ers on September 8, 2025.
Martinez’s Impressive College Track Record
Damien Martinez burst onto the scene at Oregon State, where he rushed for 982 yards on 6.1 yards per carry in his freshman year. He followed that up with an even better sophomore season, piling up 1,185 yards at the same efficient clip.
Transferring to the University of Miami for his junior year, Martinez kept the momentum going. He racked up 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns on 6.3 yards per carry in 2024, proving he could handle tough defenses and heavy workloads.
These numbers, backed by NCAA stats from his college seasons, show why many saw him as an underrated gem in the draft. Scouts praised his power and vision, traits that could have fit well in Seattle’s run-heavy scheme under new head coach Mike Macdonald.
His path wasn’t always smooth, though. Martinez entered the transfer portal in 2024, visiting schools like Arizona and Tennessee before landing at Miami. That journey built his resilience, but now he’s back on the market, free to sign elsewhere.
Seahawks’ Backfield Choices Raise Eyebrows
With Martinez gone, the Seahawks are sticking with Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet, and undrafted rookie George Holani as their top running backs. This trio will shoulder the load, but concerns linger about depth and durability.
Walker, once a rising star, struggled in 2024. He managed just 573 yards on 3.7 yards per carry over 11 games, hampered by injuries. That’s a sharp drop from his rookie year in 2022, when he averaged 4.8 yards per tote and looked like a franchise cornerstone.
Charbonnet, a 2023 second-round pick, has shown promise but hasn’t fully taken over. Holani impressed in preseason, rushing for over 100 yards in limited action, which likely swayed the team’s decision.
Here’s a quick look at the Seahawks’ current running back stats from recent seasons:
| Player | 2024 Yards | 2024 YPC | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenneth Walker III | 573 | 3.7 | 11 |
| Zach Charbonnet | 462 | 4.3 | 16 |
| George Holani | N/A (Rookie) | N/A | Preseason |
These figures, drawn from official NFL records, underline the uncertainty. Without Martinez, Seattle might lack the competition needed to push these backs, especially if injuries strike again.
Potential Impact on the Team’s Season
Releasing Martinez could haunt the Seahawks if he thrives elsewhere. At 21, he has time to develop, and his college production suggests he could become a reliable contributor. Teams like the New York Jets or others thin at running back might scoop him up quickly.
For Seattle, this move signals confidence in their current group, but it also exposes vulnerabilities. Walker’s contract ends after 2025, and if he doesn’t rebound, the team could regret not keeping Martinez as a low-cost option.
Fans point to Macdonald’s press conference on August 28, 2025, where he discussed roster decisions and preparing for the season. While he didn’t name Martinez, the emphasis on a strong offensive line hints at a run-first approach that Martinez might have bolstered.
This isn’t just about one player. It affects team morale and fan trust. Seattle finished 9-8 in 2024, missing the playoffs, and moves like this could either spark a turnaround or fuel more doubts.
The Seahawks’ decision to cut ties with Damien Martinez wraps up a whirlwind few weeks for the young running back, from draft day dreams to an unexpected exit. As the team heads into a tough matchup with the 49ers, this roster shakeup serves as a reminder of the NFL’s brutal business side, where potential often clashes with immediate needs. It leaves fans wondering if Seattle missed out on a future star. What do you think about this move? Share your thoughts and spread the word with friends on social media.
