The Seahawks will be without their QB1 for their Week 2 matchup against the Cardinals. But the team has received good news on running back Zach Charbonnet.
Charbonnet, who sustained a torn ACL in Seattle’s divisional round victory in January, opened the year on the reserve/PUP list, meaning he must miss at least the first four games of the season. However, a 2026 rule change allows Charbonnet to practice as soon as next week if he is able, and ESPN’s Brady Henderson says that is a possibility.
“Zach’s doing great,” head coach Mike Macdonald said on Friday (via Henderson). “We’re getting down to him [possibly] finding a date where he could start practicing again. That’s coming soon. When that exact date is, we haven’t finalized that yet, but it’s coming soon.”
Charbonnet was drafted in 2023, one year after the Seahawks selected Kenneth Walker III . During his first three seasons in the NFL, Charbonnet operated as a productive complement to Walker and set career-highs in 2025 with 184 carries for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Walker signed with the Chiefs when free agency opened in March, and the Seahawks filled the void by selecting Jadarian Price in the first round of this year’s draft and signing Emanuel Wilson. When he is ready to return, Charbonnet figures to play a key role in the Seattle backfield once again, and his earning power hangs in the balance to some extent; like Walker last season, Charbonnet is now in the final year of his rookie contract.
It is not surprising to learn that Charbonnet could be close to getting back on the field, as the Seahawks previously expressed optimism that he would be able to start the ‘26 campaign on the 53-man roster. While that did not happen, he may be able to suit up for what could be a critical divisional showdown with the 49ers in Week 5.
In the meantime, Seattle will continue to rely on Price, former UDFA George Holani, and Wilson. Price looked the part of a Day 1 talent in the Seahawks’ season-opening win over the Patriots, carrying the ball 10 times for 52 yards. Holani and Wilson combined for 10 carries and 32 yards.
