Preseason means positions battles, and heading into roster cut downs on Tuesday, the running backs Kenny McIntosh and George Holani have both put good things on tape to back up their case for a roster spot.

After an injury that landed McIntosh on injured reserve for eight games to start off the 2023 season, the then rookie running back didn't see much playing time behind Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet and former Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas. McIntosh played in three games last season, but before his injury, he showed an impressive and promising start during the offseason programming and training camp.

Coming into the 2024 season, McIntosh had an opportunity to lock in the third running back spot, with Walker III and Charbonnet being the one and two, respectively. McIntosh's 2024 training camp has been just as impressive as his last and he's also had his fair share of competition in camp.

With head coach Mike Macdonald earlier in training camp saying, "Kenny's getting pushed right now," Macdonald said. "He's in a battle. I think George is right there with him. He's in a battle to see who's going to be the third running back for us. He's getting his money's worth. It will be interesting to see how it plays out over the next few weeks."

Holani signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent and immediately jumped out as a back with good speed and power.

And Holani's mindset has been to make the most of the opportunities he has in front of him right now.

"Just taking advantage of every opportunity, making the reps count, not counting anything. So just going out there and putting it on film and just showing teams what kind of player I am and what I can bring to any team."

Tonight, on the battle at running back, head coach Macdonald said, "Him and George [Holani] again, I thought they both played really well. George didn't have the flashy run, but he had some tough good runs to get back to the line of scrimmage and get some positive yards. I think both made plays on special teams. Two really good players. Kenny McIntosh has been another example of a guy that's been working really, really hard. So for him to have an opportunity to make such a great play, I'm just really happy for him. Just really happy for where he's at. Just proud of him."

And although the two have been battling it out, Holani says the running backs room has been all positive.

"The running back room, everyone's always cheering each other on," he said. "No matter what happens, we're going to have each other's back and we go out there, we celebrate, we talk about the celebrations we're going to go out there and do after we score. So it is a positive, great vibe in that room."

McIntosh's 56-yard "flashy" touchdown run displayed his athleticism, speed and strength as he found a hole and stiff armed a defender on the way to the end zone. Before being drafted with the Seahawks, McIntosh ran a 4.62 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and some think the 40-yard dash is a moot point, McIntosh showed exactly why.

After McIntosh was drafted last year, he said he knew his speed was faster than what he ran at the combine. "It looked like it today, didn't it?" McIntosh said on his speed, responding with a laugh. "Game speed definitely different than the Combine."

In McIntosh's first NFL touchdown he celebrated with his teammates, and most players like to keep their touchdown ball and give it to someone meaningful after the game, but through all the commotion, McIntosh lost his.

"I don't know where my ball at," he said. "My mama is going to be mad at me, but I have to find one though…But I definitely lost my ball. I was too lit in end zone."

On being able to have a game like he did tonight, McIntosh said that it meant everything.

"Just going out there and showcasing my talent, my ability. Show the coaches that they can trust me out there on the field, especially on special teams and offense, whenever they allow me to step on the field. Those were three big games for me."

Holani also made his way to the end zone in Saturday's game, adding "It was definitely the best feeling ever, just getting the end zone. Celebrating that long drive we had, all the hard work, and just continuing to give props to the O-line, receivers and all the great blocking up front."

McIntosh finished the game with 56 rushing yards, one touchdown and nine receiving yards. Holani ended the night with seven carries for 38 yards, one touchdown and nine receiving yards.

Whichever way the decision goes come Tuesday, McIntosh and Holani both can feel confident knowing they put their best on the tape.

"These are hard decisions," Macdonald said. "You kind of just let what's good for the team be the guiding light and John [Schneider] and I have been hand-in-hand through this whole thing. I'm looking forward to the next stage but this is probably the toughest part of the job and I think if you look at it optimistically, you're saying 'This is a long term investment too. There's opportunities for guys to be on practice squads, hopefully other people that won't have an opportunity to be here have earned an opportunity somewhere else.'"