7/22/26

Zach Charbonnet has been a staple in the Seahawks’ running attack for multiple seasons, especially in the red zone. Last year, however, he tore his ACL in the divisional playoff game against the 49ers. Since then, he has made a steady recovery but still has not been given the green light to return to play. The tear happened in mid-January, and an ACL recovery typically lasts closer to 8-9 months. Even with the best doctors and training, there was not much hope that Charbonnet would get cleared by this point in the off-season. He is expected to return to full form likely in November or December, with late October being the absolute earliest he would suit up.

This opens up a lot of questions about how the run game will look for the defending champions. With the departure of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and Charbonnet being injured, a lot of the responsibility will be on rookie running back Jadarian Price. The 12s drafted him 32nd overall in this year’s draft, and he is already looking like he could be one to fill that RB1 spot. He cannot play every down, though, and that is where the questions linger for Seattle. Charbonnet was a great third-down back due to his blocking, catching, and ability to make big plays in the open field by bowling through defenders. This is a void that is, as of now, missing. George Holani will fill that position in all likelihood, and he had good moments last season, so hopefully he can come in and produce straight away. Other options are Kenny McIntosh and Emanuel Wilson, who will be on the sideline waiting for their number to be called.

With a new offensive coordinator, new running backs, and new players on defense. This season has some questions on if they Seahawks can replicate their all-time season last year, which ended with a Super Bowl ring. Fans have full faith in Mike McDonald and the players, but every season is different. The best-case scenario is that Seattle continues to dominate, and by the time Charbonnet comes back, he will resume his role and one of the better RB2s in the game. This will only help the 12s as they look to repeat for another ring under the McDonald tenure. Standout safety Nick Emmanwori was also placed on the PUP list (physically unable to preform) with an undisclosed injury but doesn’t seem like it will hinder him from starting the season as of right now.