Seahawks give major update on injured running back amid backfield uncertainty

The Seattle Seahawks have provided an encouraging update on the recovery of running back Zach Charbonnet, who is set to return to practice on Thursday following a torn ACL sustained during last season's playoff victory against the San Francisco 49ers. The 25-year-old was initially placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, meaning he was unable to return to game action until Week 5.

However, his return to practice marks a significant step in his rehabilitation and provides the Seahawks a chance to assess his progress. Should Charbonnet remain healthy, he can participate in football activities for up to 21 days. After this period, the Seahawks must decide whether to activate him to their 53-man roster or return him to the PUP list, keeping him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

This development could provide a much-needed boost to the Seahawks' backfield, which has struggled to generate ground-game production early in the season. Charbonnet has not recorded a rushing touchdown in the Seahawks' first 16 games of the 2026 campaign, while Jadarian Price, Emanuel Wilson, and George Holani have also failed to find the end zone via the ground.

With Charbonnet's return, the Seahawks will have a more reliable option as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and then travel to face the 49ers in Week 5.