The Seattle Seahawks released running back Dontae McMillan from their practice squad on Monday as part of corresponding moves that also brought in tight end Josiah Deguara and fullback Jackson Acker while releasing wide receiver Malick Meiga, via the NFL transaction wire.

McMillan’s brief tenure with his hometown team ended after roughly two weeks. The Seahawks signed the undrafted rookie to the practice squad on October 6 after a planned addition of veteran Joe Mixon fell through when Mixon failed a physical.

The move came amid injuries in the backfield, including first-round pick Jadarian Price on injured reserve and practice-squad back Jacardia Wright also sidelined.

A Seattle native and Chief Sealth High School graduate, McMillan described the signing as a dream come true.

He had trained locally with former Seahawk Myles Gaskin after the Baltimore Ravens released him following training camp and preseason. In the Ravens’ preseason he rushed for 109 yards on 15 carries, including a 63-yard run.

McMillan’s college production made him an appealing depth option.

After beginning his career at Weber State—where he was teammates with Seahawks receiver Rashid Shaheed—he transferred to Eastern Michigan.

In his final season there in 2025, he rushed for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns on 177 carries while adding 33 receptions for 375 yards and three scores.

He became one of only 12 players in Eastern Michigan history to reach 1,000 rushing yards in a season and earned All-MAC Second-Team honors.

Despite the strong college résumé and productive preseason showing, McMillan was not elevated to the active roster during his time in Seattle.

The Seahawks’ running-back group includes players such as Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, Robert Henry Jr., and Velus Jones Jr. on the 53-man roster, with Zach Charbonnet working his way back from the physically unable to perform list.

Monday’s practice-squad adjustments suggest the team is refining its depth chart as the season progresses. For McMillan, the release returns him to free agency after a short but meaningful homecoming.

At 25 years old (5-foot-10, 203 pounds), he remains available for other clubs seeking running-back depth as the 2026 season continues.

His path from West Seattle standout to undrafted free agent and brief Seahawks practice-squad member underscores the unpredictable nature of NFL roster decisions.