Seahawks Announce Zach Charbonnet Update Amid RB Issues

Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said Monday that running back Zach Charbonnet is not expected to return for Thursday night’s game against the Denver Broncos.

“As of right now, the answer is no,” Macdonald said. “Subject to change. Trying not to be boxed in there.”

Charbonnet has remained on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered during Seattle’s January playoff victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

The team opened his 21-day practice window on Oct. 1, which means the Seahawks have until Oct. 22 to activate him to the 53-man roster or leave him on PUP for the remainder of the season.

Macdonald said the decision involves more than simply checking whether the knee has healed.

“We have to have consensus from all parties that he’s ready to go,” Macdonald said. “He’s the most confident and ready to go. He’s had enough exposure to go play an NFL game. Those are the variables at play here.”“And can one area of that equation adjust as we go? Yeah. But we’re trying to do right by the process right now.”

The short turnaround before Thursday Night Football gives Charbonnet limited chances to get extra practice work before the Broncos game.

Seattle’s following contest is a Sunday night home game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 25, which offers a longer window to evaluate his readiness.

The update arrived after the Seahawks fell 32-29 to the 49ers on Sunday in a game that included four Seattle turnovers, which San Francisco turned into 21 points.

Emanuel Wilson and George Holani each lost fumbles in that contest, with 49ers defensive tackle Gracen Halton recovering one of Holani’s near the goal line and returning it for a touchdown.

With rookie first-round selection Jadarian Price on injured reserve because of a chest injury, the available running backs are Wilson, Holani, Velus Jones Jr. and Robert Henry Jr.

Price, taken with the final pick of the first round out of Notre Dame, has been out since aggravating the injury in practice and is expected to miss at least four games.

Charbonnet, drafted in the second round in 2023, posted career highs last season with 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 184 carries, along with 144 receiving yards and zero fumbles. Those totals give the Seahawks a proven option as they try to improve consistency and protect the football in the running game.

Macdonald has not set a firm return date or promised Charbonnet the lead role once he is activated, and the team could limit his snaps after the extended recovery.

Seattle entered the year planning for Price to handle a major share of the work, but injuries have forced changes through the first five weeks.

The Seahawks want Charbonnet back to stabilize the backfield, yet Macdonald made clear the recovery process will not be rushed for short-term needs.

This article first appeared on Viral Sports News and was syndicated with permission.

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