ZWave Ge Switches - can I run from 2nd slot of hot wire to 2nd switch?

As stated a couple of times, yes.
If your hot to the box is from a single point (breaker), then you can just backwire into one spot, then a short jumper from the second spot into the second switch hot.
Same for neutral as needed.

Ground, you need to wire nut or use the screw point at the back of the box (if metal) and run individual leads to each ground screw.

The picture above is a plastic box so my question does not matter for him.

But I have been told if you have metal boxes that are grounded, mine were, that the screws needed to screw in the switch to the box is ground enough.

Is this not true?

Theoretically but it’s still good practice to run a ground wire to the switch it outlet. Some Legrand Adorne switches and outlets ground the mounting plate and the switch grounds by contact when you push it in place. https://youtu.be/a6MICaGiVS0?t=59