Zach Charbonnet Returns to Seahawks Practice After Knee Surgery

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet took a significant step in his recovery from knee surgery on Thursday, practicing for the first time this season as a limited participant. The news, first reported by Seahawks.com and confirmed by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, offers a glimmer of hope for a Seattle backfield that has been riddled with injuries through the first month of the 2026 campaign.

Charbonnet, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, underwent knee surgery during the offseason and had yet to see the field. His return to practice—even in a limited capacity—signals that he is nearing the final stages of rehabilitation. However, as outlined by insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the team will exercise caution before thrusting him into game action. Head coach Mike Macdonald has emphasized a patient approach with injured players, and Charbonnet’s workload will be gradually increased based on his response to practice repetitions.

Backfield Depth Tested Early

While Charbonnet’s return is encouraging, the Seahawks’ running back room remains a work in progress. Rookie Jadarian Price (chest) missed Thursday’s session, leaving the team thin at the position. In the meantime, Emanuel Wilson is expected to shoulder the load in Week 4, according to Vulius Sports sources. Wilson, who has shown flashes of explosiveness in limited opportunities, will likely see the bulk of carries against a stout defensive front.

The Seahawks’ rushing attack has struggled to find consistency without Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III, who has also dealt with injuries. Seattle ranks near the bottom of the league in rushing yards per game, putting additional pressure on quarterback Geno Smith and the passing game. The potential return of Charbonnet, a physical runner with pass-catching ability, would provide a much-needed boost to the offense as the season progresses.

What’s Next for Charbonnet?

Charbonnet’s limited participation on Thursday is just the first hurdle. The team will monitor his knee over the next few days to determine if he can ramp up his activity. Even if he avoids a setback, it’s unlikely he’ll handle a full workload immediately upon return. The Seahawks could opt to activate him from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list in the coming weeks, but only after he proves he can withstand the rigors of practice without swelling or discomfort.

For now, fantasy managers and Seahawks fans alike should temper expectations. Charbonnet’s return is a positive development, but the road to a full recovery is rarely linear. As highlighted on Vulius, the team will continue to rely on Wilson and potentially practice squad call-ups until Charbonnet and Price are fully healthy.

Fantasy Football Implications

From a fantasy perspective, Charbonnet remains a stash candidate in deeper leagues. His role upon return is uncertain, especially with Walker III also in the mix when healthy. However, if Charbonnet can reclaim the pass-catching duties he excelled at in college, he could carve out flex value in PPR formats. Wilson, meanwhile, is a streaming option for Week 4 but lacks long-term upside once the backfield returns to full strength.

The Seahawks will provide further updates on Charbonnet’s status following Friday’s practice. Keep it locked on Vulius for the latest NFL injury news and analysis.