Zach Charbonnet was supposed to be the leader of the Seattle Seahawks backfield in 2026, but the veteran running back has yet to suit up thanks to an ACL injury he suffered during the team’s Super Bowl run last season. Originally selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the UCLA product spent the first three years of his career splitting snaps with eventual Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker. As a rookie, he appeared in 16 games while recording 108 attempts for 462 yards and one touchdown.
As the years progressed, Zach Charbonnet earned a larger role and specialized as a red zone back. While he didn’t make an official start in 2025, he still finished the season with an impressive 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his season came to a premature end due to the aforementioned ACL injury, and he spent the offseason working his way back to full health. While nobody officially knows when he’ll make his 2026 debut, the team’s official injury report notes that he was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. If he continues to improve, he could make his debut in Week 7 against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
Zach Charbonnet Injury Update: Seahawks RB A Full Participant In Practice, Could Suit Up Week 7
The Last Word
The Seahawks have struggled to get their ground game moving without Zach Charbonnet in the lineup. First-round pick Jadarian Price has shown moments of brilliance, but injuries have limited him to just three games and 119 rushing yards. Career journeyman Emanuel Wilson has been the de-facto leader of the rushing attack, but he hasn’t been particularly efficient with his opportunities. Through six games, the veteran has recorded just 303 yards and two touchdowns on 87 attempts.
It would be fitting for Zach Charbonnet to make his return against Kenneth Walker and the Kansas City Chiefs. After winning Super Bowl MVP, Walker signed with Andy Reid’s squad and is one of the early frontrunners for Offensive Player of the Year. No longer in a timeshare, the former second-round pick has recorded a league-high 665 rushing yards and 6.3 yards per attempt on 106 carries while playing a pivotal role in the team’s 5-0 start.
Main Photo: Steven Bisig – Imagn Images