Mike Macdonald
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The Seahawks are finalizing their 53-man roster.
The Seattle Seahawks are cutting ties with a promising running back who was once believed to be competing for a spot in the rotation. Seattle is expected to lean heavily on Ken Walker and Zach Charbonnet in a combination attack at running back.
George Holani made a name for himself during the preseason likely making the former Boise State standout as the third running back. This made Damien Martinez the odd man out as the Seahawks are releasing the rookie running back among the more notable cuts.
“The Seahawks are releasing running back Damien Martinez, sources tell @CBSSports,” Matt Zenitz reported on X on August 26, 2025, message on X. “Was a seventh-round draft pick in April. Ran for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns last year at Miami.”
Let’s dive into the Seahawks running backs heading into Week 1.
The Emergence of Seahawks RB George Holani Made It Challenging for Rookie Damien Martinez to Make the Final Roster
The emergence of Holani made it challenging for Martinez to make the final roster. Holani could have an opportunity to see the field immediately with Kenny McIntosh being sidelined for the season.
The Seahawks selected Martinez in the seventh round, and the playmaker was labeled as a potential sleeper in the 2025 NFL draft. Martinez is coming off back-to-back seasons topping 1,000 rushing yards.
The running back posted 159 carries for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 appearances for Miami during the 2024 college football season. Martinez added 17 receptions for 204 yards through the air as well.
Heading Into the NFL Draft, Damien Martinez Drew Comparisons to D’Onta Foreman
Heading into the draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zielein compared Martinez to veteran running back D’Onta Foreman. Martinez’s upset is that the running back plays with power.
“Productive three-year starter with an impressive blend of power, dexterity and decisiveness,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile on Martinez. “First and foremost, Martinez is truly a “big back” who proves he can find yards after contact on most carries. He lacks speed to win outside but does a nice job creating alternate routes using vision and agility when it’s congested inside.
“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.”