The Seahawks will be shorthanded in the backfield when they host the NFC title game this week. Zach Charbonnet suffered a knee injury in the divisional round which will sideline him the rest of the way. 
During an appearance on Seattle Sports radio Monday, head coach Mike Macdonald revealed the unwanted news concerning Charbonnet (h/t ESPN’s Brady Henderson). This is a “significant” injury, per Macdonald. Charbonnet is now set to undergo surgery and begin a lengthy rehab process. An ACL tear occurred in this case, as first reported by Henderson’s colleague Adam Schefter.
The injury limited Charbonnet to just five carries on Saturday night. After his final action of the game, the 25-year-old was evaluated in the medical tent before ultimately heading to the locker room. Kenneth Walker III saw a heavy workload once again afterwards. He will no doubt be counted on early and often in the conference title game and (if applicable) the Super Bowl.
Charbonnet was selected in the second round of the 2023 draft. His arrival came just one year after Walker was drafted in the same round. The two have been key figures on offense during their time together, although struggles in the run game were an issue in 2024. Improvements late in this year’s campaign have helped lead Seattle to its current position, however. As such, losing Charbonnet represents a notable blow for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
From a financial standpoint, this news could prove to be impactful as well. Walker is set to see his rookie contract expire in March unless a deal allowing to remain in the Emerald City is worked out. Charbonnet, meanwhile, is eligible to sign an extension this offseason. Given the nature of his injury, though, it would come as little surprise if team and player paused any potential contract talks which otherwise would have taken place. As things stand, Charbonnet will enter the 2026 season as a pending free agent.
The UCLA product easily set a new career high this year in carries (184), rushing yards (730) and touchdowns (12). Charbonnet did not make a consistent impact in the passing game with only 20 receptions in 16 games, but he has shown an ability to do so previously. Walker has remained the starting back this season, but Seattle’s rushing attack included Charbonnet to a large extent just as it had in 2023 and ’24. How the team adjusts on Sunday could prove to be a key factor in determining the Rams-Seahawks matchup.
The fix is in. The league and fate demand Rams / New England for the easy overdone beat to death trope storylines.
What fix is in? Are you saying the league and/or the networks arranged the injuries to Nix and Charbonnet?
@phenomenalajs You can’t reason with crazy.
Yes. The Eagles Big Dom was recruited for the hit. If you don’t see that you’re lying to yourself.
You think the league pulled a Tonya Harding on a second string running back to make sure it got its desired storylines pushed forward?
They’ll stop at nothing. The sports gambling/NFL ownership cabals tendrils run wide and deep.
I have a reasonable amount of concern about the league and gambling, but what you’re describing is going way beyond reasonable concern and diving headfirst into paranoid delusion.
I-Tonya
Roger Gillooly over here.
Looks like KW3 will be a priority in the off-season now.
Maybe, but he will bolt for the money. Frustrated from awful lines over the years. This team could pay him but wants Charb for the future as well.
Too bad, could have the job to himself next year. Dont be surprised if the Giants dont make a run for Walker or Mitchell this offseason.
Giants already have Tyrone Tracy and Cam Skattebo, the latter coming back from serious injury.
C’mon CNJ … you know Harbaugh likes to stock up on runners. Even if he cant afford Walker, he will try to bring over Linderbaum and Mitchell.
The Giants’ M.O. is to develop their own backfield. Skattebo was on his way to a 1,000-yard season until his season-ending injury.
That was before they hired Harbaugh. Hopefully Skattebo’s rehab is going well and he wont lose a step when he gets back.
Kenny Walker? RB is something I think the Giants are set on and don’t need to make any moves. Tracy and Skattebo are fine. Maybe a late round RB in the draft. Paying Kenneth Walker big money seems like a bad move when they need OL and LB/DB/S.
True, he will want Linderbaum first and then go for Mitchell at a better price.
You would have thought the article would mention who they have behind 9 and 26. Anybody know? Whoever it is they are going to play some. No way Walker takes every snap.
It’s a tough question. The most likely answer, I think, is Cam Akers is brought up from the practice squad. I believe the only other running back on their active roster this week was the rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts. The only other running back to get more than 10 rushing attempts this year outside of Charbonnet and Walker was George Holani, who’s been on IR. I think they could possibly designate him to return, but he only had 22 carries for them anyway.
They still have Milroe to unleash when they are ready.
Bring back Christine Michael!!!
Beast Mode could still run in for short yardage TDs …
How about Rashaad Penny?