SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks will be without running back Zach Charbonnet for the remainder of the playoffs after he suffered a significant knee injury, head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Monday. A source said Charbonnet tore his ACL and will require surgery, ending his postseason availability.
Charbonnet was injured in the second quarter of Seattle’s 41–6 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round. Macdonald initially expressed optimism after the game but later said on Seattle Sports 710-AM that the injury is serious and will involve an extended rehabilitation.
“It breaks your heart,” Macdonald said. “He’s going to need surgery and has a long road ahead. Our prayers are with Charbs. We love him.”
A key part of Seattle’s two-back rushing attack with Kenneth Walker III, Charbonnet was a second-round pick in 2023 and finished the regular season with 730 rushing yards and a team-high 12 touchdowns on 184 carries in 16 games. He had five carries for 20 yards before leaving Saturday’s game late in the first half.
With Charbonnet sidelined, the Seahawks leaned heavily on Walker, who rushed for 116 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries as Seattle pulled its starters in the fourth quarter. Walker led the team with 1,027 rushing yards during the regular season and is now expected to shoulder the workload for the rest of the playoff run.
Seattle’s remaining running backs include Velus Jones Jr., Cam Akers and George Holani, who is on injured reserve but eligible to return. Macdonald also said quarterback Sam Darnold is doing well after playing through a left oblique injury and did not worsen it, while left tackle Charles Cross is considered day-to-day after exiting with a foot injury.
The Seahawks continue their postseason this Sunday when they host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game.
