The Seahawks had been without their top two running backs through injury. On Thursday they got one back in practice.

Second-round rookie Zach Charbonnet, who had missed the last four practices because of a shoulder issue, returned to the field to boost Seattle's backfield depth.

Charbonnet participated in individual drills and part of the team period in a padless practice.

He's expected to feature in the Seahawks' mock game at Lumen Field on Friday.

However, there is no sign of an imminent return for the Seahawks' lead back, Kenneth Walker III, who continues to be sidelined because of a groin injury.

Head coach Pete Carroll, however, continues to express minimal concern over the problem.

"It’s just a groin. With a running back that’s got to sprint and do the things that he does, we just have to make sure that it goes away before we get him back out. It’s not a serious injury. It didn’t show a ton on the MRI, but we’ve got to take care of him. This is the kind of thing we worry about being a nagging type of injury. We don’t want that to happen. So, we’re going to be over cautious right now this early in camp."

That caution is understandable given Walker's importance to an offense that is committed to the run despite having some of the best receiving talent in the NFL.

The Seahawks will naturally want to eventually get Walker some more reps ahead of the new season. Yet the chance to get Charbonnet extra time with the first-team offense is something Carroll will relish as Seattle gets the rookie ready to share the load with Walker.

Seahawks hoping improved run defense can have two-pronged impact

Being stout against the run could unlock an underrated pass rush.

Featured Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports