Zach Charbonnet Update Adds New Pressure on Seahawks’ Sam Darnold
The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks will begin the 2026 season without running back Zach Charbonnet for at least four games due to remaining on the physically unable to perform list.
The UCLA product has continued to make progress in his recovery from his torn ACL in his left knee that occurred in the Divisional Round of the playoffs in January. He was seen running in a straight line next to the practice fields while the team’s trainers watched him early in training camp.
However, he hasn’t reached the point where the Seahawks are confident that he’s ready to make his return to begin the 2026 campaign. The earliest he can play is in Week 5, when Seattle hosts the San Francisco 49ers.
Charbonnet is coming off his most productive campaign, posting career highs with 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 games. With Kenneth Walker leaving for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, it was supposed to open the door for Charbonnet to garner a significant role, but his continued rehab from knee surgery has kept him sidelined.
Want $250 to bet on the NFL?
With the 25-year-old expected to miss the first month of the season, 2026 first-round selection Jadarian Price is expected to be the lead back in the Seahawks’ offense. Meanwhile, George Holani and Emanuel Wilson will play behind him.
The Seahawks will likely lean on Price to carry the bulk of the workload in the running game, while Sam Darnold may be asked to lead the offense with his arm.
