Seahawks Target Week 6 Return for Zach Charbonnet

The Seattle Seahawks are preparing for the possible return of running back Zach Charbonnet as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered during last season's playoffs. As of October 11, 2026, Charbonnet remains unavailable for game action, but encouraging practice reports have raised the possibility of his return in Week 6, when Seattle faces the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.

According to reports from NBC Sports and Pro Football Rumors, Charbonnet is progressing through rehabilitation and approaching the next stage of his return. However, head coach Mike Macdonald has indicated that the condensed preparation schedule could complicate the decision to clear him for the upcoming game.

Seattle opened Charbonnet's 21-day practice window on October 1, giving the team a limited period to evaluate his readiness. The Seahawks must activate him within that window or leave him on the physically unable to perform list for the remainder of the season.

Quarterback Sam Darnold offered an encouraging assessment of Charbonnet's progress, describing the running back's condition after seeing him at practice.

"He looks great. He's sharp. He looks fresh, which he is.

He looks really good, man. He's doing his thing," Darnold said.

Charbonnet recorded 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 184 carries during the 2025 regular season, according to Sports Illustrated. His return would give Seattle an experienced option as the team manages injuries and changes in its backfield.

Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury also welcomed Charbonnet's presence at practice, although he noted that the running back was still working toward full participation.

"It's exciting to see him out there," Fleury said.

Fleury explained that the team was limiting the work assigned to Charbonnet because he was not yet expected to play. His participation has therefore focused on basic activities while he continues to get back up to speed.

"I mean, he's still getting up to speed, and obviously we don't have like a whole lot of reps to spare to give him if we know he's not playing. So, it's just kind of been some basic stuff, but it's exciting to have him out there," Fleury said.

Seattle's need for additional running back depth increased after first-round rookie Jadarian Price was placed on injured reserve on October 3 because of a recurring chest injury. Price must miss at least four games under the designation, according to Heavy.com.

In his absence, Emanuel Wilson and George Holani have handled additional responsibilities. Wilson rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown and added 39 receiving yards and another score in Seattle's 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on October 4, according to Heavy.com. The Seahawks recorded 138 rushing yards in that game after managing 44 against Washington the previous week.

Seattle also signed rookie running back Robert Henry Jr. from the Washington Commanders' practice squad on October 6 and added Dontae McMillan to its practice squad, Heavy.com reported.

Macdonald identified the team's Thursday night schedule as a potential obstacle to Charbonnet's return, given the limited time available to assess his knee through a full practice week.

"Tricky," Macdonald said of the Week 6 ramp-up, according to NBC Sports.

NBC Sports also reported that Charbonnet was progressing according to his rehabilitation schedule and would be ready to increase his workload the following week. The shortened preparation period could nevertheless make it difficult for the medical staff to evaluate his response to a full week of practice before approving his return.

Charbonnet missed Seattle's October 11 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. With Price sidelined and Charbonnet still working toward clearance, Wilson and Holani remain important options in the Seahawks' running back rotation as the team evaluates its available personnel for Week 6.