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Rookie running back Damien Martinez, right, and two others were re-signed to the Seahawks' practice squad on Wednesday.
Week 1 is upon us, and the Seattle Seahawks are busy getting ready for Sunday’s game against the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers.
As part of their preparations, the Seahawks made a series of moves Wednesday to round out their roster, including bringing back a recent draft pick.
Running back Damien Martinez, a rookie seventh-round pick out of Miami, was re-signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad, along with cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles and offensive tackle Amari Kight.
In a series of corresponding moves, defensive tackle Anthony Campbell, defensive end Jalan Gaines and guard Sataoa Laumea were released from the practice squad.
The Seahawks’ roster now sits at 70 players, including the full 17 on the practice squad.
“Really excited about our 70,” general manager and president of football operations John Schneider said, via the team’s website.
Why Did the Seahawks Re-Sign Damien Martinez?
Martinez was released a day earlier. The 6-foot, 217-pounder rushed for a combined 3,169 yards over three seasons at Oregon State and Miami but was beaten by George Holani for the third running back spot on the initial 53-man roster.
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet are expected to handle the bulk of work in Seattle’s backfield.
A pre-draft scouting report by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein called Martinez a “big back” who’s effective at piling up yards after contact.
“He lacks speed to win outside but does a nice job creating alternate routes using vision and agility when it’s congested inside,” Zierlein wrote. “Despite a lack of breakaway speed, Martinez averaged 6.2 yards per carry on 514 career totes. He can catch passes here and there but could be best dialed in as a complementary banger capable of taking on the lion’s share of the carries if needed.”
Martinez logged 67 offensive snaps in the preseason, producing 84 yards and one touchdown on 24 carries. A majority of that production came in a 33-16 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Aug. 15: 11 carries for 50 yards and one touchdown.
What Other Players Did the Seahawks Re-Sign?
In addition to Martinez, the Seahawks welcomed back Jean-Charles and Kight.
Jean-Charles, a 5-10, 184-pound cornerback, spent his first three NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers (2021-22), 49ers (2023) and New Orleans Saints (2023-24). In 37 career games (two starts), Jean-Charles recorded 29 tackles and one interception.
Jean-Charles signed a one-year deal with Seattle in March but was released on Aug. 26 as part of the team’s final roster cuts.
The 6-6, 299-pound Kight initially joined the Seahawks in March after going undrafted. Kight began his college career at Alabama before transferring to UCF, where he helped pave the way for one of the country’s most dynamic offenses. UCF ranked fifth in FBS in rushing last season, averaging 248.1 yards per game.