Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet underwent surgery on Friday to repair a torn ACL sustained nearly five weeks earlier. The injury occurred during the NFC divisional-round victory against the San Francisco 49ers on January 17.
Though Seattle has not provided a specific timeline for Charbonnet’s recovery, it is expected that he will miss a significant portion of the 2026 season as he rehabilitates from the procedure.
Charbonnet’s Impact and Team Performance During His Absence
At 25, Charbonnet led the Seahawks in rushing touchdowns with 12 and ranked second on the team with 730 rushing yards in the regular season. This marked his third year with Seattle after being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
During Charbonnet’s recovery, Kenneth Walker III, who typically shares running back duties, stepped up in the playoffs and earned the Super Bowl LX MVP award. Walker finished the regular season leading Seattle with 1,027 rushing yards and five touchdowns, although he is expected to become a free agent soon.
Outlook for Seahawks’ Running Back Position Moving Forward
Seattle faces uncertainty at the running back position given Charbonnet’s recovery and Walker’s free agency status. The team will need to adjust its rushing strategy while awaiting updates on Charbonnet’s progress. His rehabilitation will be closely monitored to assess when he might return to the field in the upcoming season.
“While a definitive timeframe for his return has yet to be announced, it stands to reason that Charbonnet likely will miss a fair portion of the 2026 season.” ?Field Level Media
