Through the first month of the season, the Seattle Seahawks struggled with kickoff coverage and rank near the bottom of the league in yards allowed per return, but they’re set to gain a key special teams asset ahead of a crucial Week 6 road matchup against the Denver Broncos.
The team announced they’ve elevated wide receiver and special teams gunner Irv Charles, as well as linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo from the practice squad. Both will make their team debuts.
Acquired from the New York Jets in May, Charles missed the first five games while on injured reserve with a knee issue but was designated to return to practice on October 7. Seattle activated him to the active roster on Tuesday, although, he was released a day later to make room for running back Velus Jones Jr. As a vested veteran, Charles wasn’t subject to waivers and rerouted to the practice squad.
Upon his return, Charles is expected to play a key role on kick and punt returns—areas where he’s highly regarded.
On the defensive side, Ciarlo’s elevation was expected given the Seahawks will be without starting linebacker Drake Thomas (ankle) and Chazz Surratt (chest), leaving a thin group even thinner.
The third year linebacker went undrafted out of Army in 2024 before signing with the Jets, but missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury. He was released in May, 2025 and spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans prior to signing with the Seahawks on September 30.