Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet could be back on the practice field as soon as tomorrow. Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald announced that Charbonnet’s 21-day practice window is set to open. It’s a significant step in his return from reconstructive knee surgery in February following a torn ACL suffered in the divisional round of the 2025 season.

The 21-day practice window allows Charbonnet to return to practice while remaining on the PUP list. Within that three-week window, the Seahawks must either activate him to the 53-man roster or keep him on injured reserve for the remainder of the year. We know what the answer to that will be. 

Get ready to see number 26 in the backfield, doing his thing for the Seahawks very soon. 

What Charbonnet’s return means for Seattle’s backfield

The signs point to Charbonnet suiting up for Seattle within the next month, which falls in line with what was generally expected. Still, hearing it from Macdonald himself is a great sign for a Seahawks offense looking to add another dimension.

Seattle has relied on a trio of backs so far this season in Emanuel Wilson, rookie Jadarian Price, and George Holani. Price was expected to serve as the featured early-season option, but he has had some struggles. He began the season with 10 carries against the Patriots in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl rematch. That number shot up to 13 in Week 2 against Arizona, and down to five last week against Washington.

His fumble against the Commanders last week was an unfortunate moment for the young rookie. Mike Macdonald told reporters after the game that Seattle will not lose faith in their first-round pick:

“He (Price) needs to take care of the ball. He’s going to continue to carry the ball; we trust him”, stated Macdonald. 

Getting Charbonnet back could give Seattle a legitimate one-two punch with him and Price in the backfield. That combination has the potential to open up the Seahawks’ offense even further and take pressure off the passing game. Defenses are going to do all they can to take Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of the game, which is much easier said than done. But with that, Seattle needs to prove they can have a competent rushing attack.

Zach Charbonnet’s return from injury may be the key to unlocking that consistently. 

Monitoring the timeline

I think the biggest thing to watch now is exactly when Charbonnet gets activated. The 21-day clock is ticking, and Seattle will need to make a decision within that window. If Macdonald’s comments are any indication, this process could move quickly.

Charbonnet returning on schedule would be a major boost for a Seattle team trying to establish a more balanced attack, and getting their starting running back healthy only strengthens what this offense can do. He will not be eligible to return until their divisional matchup in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks then turn around and head to Denver to face the Broncos in Week 6 on Thursday Night Football. 

Two games in that amount of time might not bode well for Zach Charbonnet’s injury recovery. The smart move would likely be to wait until the Denver game to suit him up as his body reacclimates. With that being said, the 49ers game will likely be for the lead in the NFC West. Divisional games are so crucial in the NFL, as it is the quickest path to the playoffs and a home-field advantage. It will be a big decision for Mike Macdonald and his staff to make.