Seahawks' running back Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in Seattle’s Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers and will miss the remainder of the postseason, with his recovery expected to extend into the 2026 season, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the severity of the injury and said Charbonnet will require surgery.
“The bummer is Charbs. He’s got a significant knee injury, unfortunately,” Macdonald said on Seattle Sports Radio. “Breaks your heart. He’s gonna need surgery, so he’s gonna be out. He’s got a good, long road to come back. My heart goes out to him. Prayers go out to Charbs. We love him, man.”
Macdonald also praised Charbonnet’s impact on the team, both on and off the field.
“This guy is the epitome of what it means to be a Seahawk. Absolute tough as nails, great teammate, great human being. Plays his tail off, detail-oriented, unselfish. It hurts. It hurts that it’s going on.”
Charbonnet filled the power-back role behind Kenneth Walker III this season, rushing for 730 yards on 184 carries and leading the team with 12 rushing touchdowns. His absence will be felt most in short-yardage and red-zone situations, where his physical running style was a key component of Seattle’s offense. He carried the ball five times for 20 yards against San Francisco before exiting with the injury.
Without Charbonnet, the Seahawks will lean even more heavily on Walker, who dominated the 49ers with 116 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the Divisional Round. Walker has also been productive in previous matchups against the Rams, totaling 167 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and six receptions for 108 yards across two games this season.
Velus Jones is the only other running back on Seattle’s active roster, with Cam Akers currently on the practice squad.
The timing of the injury also clouds Charbonnet’s availability for the start of the 2026 season, but Macdonald expressed confidence in his eventual return.
“He’s gonna be back,” Macdonald said. “He’s gonna be back stronger than ever, and the guys are gonna pick him up. It’s not like he’s leaving us. He’s going to be with us.”
