Seahawks Prepare Charbonnet and Bradford for Chiefs Game

Seattle could receive a significant offensive boost when the Seahawks host the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs at Lumen Field on Sunday night. Head coach Mike Macdonald said Monday, October 19, that running back Zach Charbonnet could make his 2026 debut while right guard Anthony Bradford works toward returning from injuries that have sidelined him for five games.

The potential returns come as Seattle attempts to stop a two-game losing streak and correct problems that have disrupted its offense. The Seahawks lost 17-14 in overtime to Denver on Thursday, their third defeat in four games following a 12-game winning streak that began last November, according to Seattle-area reporting.

Charbonnet has been recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered January 17 against the San Francisco 49ers. The running back resumed practice October 1, beginning a 21-day window in which Seattle must activate him to its 53-man roster or return him to the physically unable to perform list.

Macdonald said the team expects Charbonnet to receive a full week of practice before deciding whether he can play against Kansas City.

"Zach is going to have a full week's worth of reps, so that's exciting, and there's a possibility that you could see him on Sunday in some capacity, so that's exciting," Macdonald said.

Activation would not guarantee Charbonnet's participation, but his availability could help a rushing attack that has struggled with consistency. Seattle is expected to rely primarily on Emanuel Wilson if Charbonnet cannot play, while the returning back could contribute on early downs and in third-down or two-minute situations if cleared.

Charbonnet recorded 730 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025 while sharing the backfield with Kenneth Walker III. Walker joined Kansas City as a free agent in March, making Sunday's matchup his first game at Lumen Field with his new team.

Macdonald praised Charbonnet's recovery from major knee surgery and the determination required to meet his targeted return timeline.

"It's remarkable," Macdonald said.

The coach also described Charbonnet's progress as an indication of the work involved in returning from a serious injury.

"Zach's a beast. He looks great. It's not easy to say, 'All right, let's go.' So for him to have that courage to say that and work through the things he's worked through, you can't do anything but tip your cap to him," Macdonald said.

Bradford also returned to practice Monday after missing five games because of hip and knee injuries. He spent the last four games on injured reserve and could return to the lineup if he completes the practice week without setbacks.

"If he has a good week, he's going to play a significant amount, if not the whole game," Macdonald said.

Bradford started every game for Seattle in 2025, including the playoffs, and is regarded as a physical presence in both run blocking and pass protection. Christian Haynes and rookie Beau Stephens have filled the right guard position during his absence.

A successful return would restore Seattle's full starting offensive line for the first time since its season opener against the New England Patriots, according to The Seattle Times.

The injury report also brought difficult news at tight end. Elijah Arroyo hurt his shoulder during Thursday's loss in Denver while attempting to recover a fumble by teammate Rashid Shaheed. The 2025 draft selection has played six games this season, recording one reception for 17 yards on two targets.

Macdonald said Arroyo would miss an extended period, with injured reserve among the options under consideration.

"Elijah, he's going to be out a significant amount of time. How long that is, I'm not sure," Macdonald said.

Seattle signed tight end Josiah Deguara to its practice squad to provide additional depth. Deguara, a 2020 third-round selection by Green Bay, has appeared in 78 NFL games, including 12 starts.

Linebacker Drake Thomas, who missed the Denver game with an ankle injury, was also being monitored, while rookie running back Jadarian Price remained unavailable. Price would become eligible to return after Sunday's game against Kansas City.

Beyond the personnel changes, Macdonald said the coaching staff and players used their time off after the Denver defeat to examine the team's performance and reconnect with its preferred style of play.

"I think we had some honest conversations and an honest process. We're definitely more aligned as a team than we were a few days ago, and I'm excited about where we could go," Macdonald said.

The coach said the review included examining play selection, preparation and execution rather than simply replacing the offensive schemes. Against Denver, quarterback Sam Darnold attempted a career-high 51 passes while Seattle ran the ball 26 times, according to The Seattle Times.

Turnovers have also contributed to Seattle's defeats, including a pick-six against Washington, a fumble in its own end zone against San Francisco and an overtime interception against Denver that allowed the Broncos to kick the winning field goal.

The Seahawks are scheduled to face Kansas City at 5:20 p.m. Sunday at Lumen Field, with Bradford's practice progress and Charbonnet's potential activation expected to clarify their availability before kickoff.