Seattle Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet has yet to play this season after tearing his ACL during the playoffs vs. the San Francisco 49ers in January. Charbonnet had surgery to repair it and has been rehabbing, and a return could be on the horizon as we approach the midway point of the season.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks will look to avoid a three-game losing streak when they host the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs this week on Sunday Night Football. It’ll also be Super Bowl LX MVP RB Kenneth Walker's return to Seattle after leaving in free agency. Will Walker's former running mate be active?
Below, we’ll analyze the latest Zach Charbonnet injury update, his latest practice status, and how his injury impacts fantasy football and Chiefs vs. Seahawks picks for PrizePicks.
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Zach Charbonnet Injury Update: Will Charbonnet Return for Sunday Night Football vs. Chiefs?
Charbonnet has missed every game for the Seahawks this season while being on the PUP list for his ACL injury. However, Charbonnet’s hard work paid off as the Seahawks have now activated him to the 53-man roster.
Charbonnet fully practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, which resulted in the upgraded status.
Ian Rapoport of ESPN and NFL Network reported on Friday that he "would expect him to play, and to play a lot."
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is impressed with his relentless work ethic to return this soon, especially because of the severity of the injury.
"It's remarkable," Macdonald said via Seahawks.com. "I know he's had a certain date in mind, which is a really ambitious date. Those who have tried to come back from a significant knee surgery understand the undertaking that it takes. Zach's a beast. He looks great. It's not easy to say, 'All right, let's go.' So for him to have that courage to say that and work through the things he's worked through, you can't do anything but tip your cap to him."
Macdonald said that Charbonnet could play in “some capacity” vs. the Chiefs.
Below, we’ll get into what type of role the Seahawks could use Charbonnet in as he works his way back from a major knee injury. Also, what does a return mean for fantasy football and Seahawks picks on PrizePicks?
Seahawks Fantasy Football Outlook If Zach Charbonnet Is Active
Charbonnet seems on track to play under the lights vs. the Chiefs. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound taiback rushed for a career-best 730 yards and 12 TDs last season.
If Charbonnet is activated, he’ll face his former star RB teammate Kenneth Walker, who joined the Chiefs in the offseason. Charbonnet might be capable of handling a Flex-viable workload and slotting in as the Seahawks’ No. 2 RB as he resumes playing.
Seahawks RB Emanuel Wilson (303 yards, 2 touchdowns) has taken the bulk of carries of late, with rookie RB Jadarian Price on injured reserve.
Charbonnet should bring a big boost to a Seattle squad that ranks 18th in rushing yards per game (107.2). That comes at an ideal time against the second-best defense in points per game (16.6).
Overall, the Chiefs are excellent defensively, but they’re slightly more vulnerable against the pass, ranking near the middle of the pack at 13th in yards allowed per game (217.2).
That could factor into the pass-run balance. Even though QB Sam Darnold (7 TDs & 7 INTs) has struggled this season, Sunday Night Football could be an opportunity to turn the corner.
According to PrizePicks, Darnold is projected for 224.5 pass yards on Sunday. Meanwhile, here's how the projected running back totals sit:
- Zach Charbonnet vs. Chiefs: 24.5 Rush Yards (Goblin) | 11.5 Rush Attempts (Demon)
- Emanuel Wilson vs. Chiefs: 25.5 Rush Yards | 9.5 Rush Attempts (Demon) | 0.5 Anytime TDs (Demon)
- George Holani vs. Chiefs: 8.5 Rush Yards | 3.5 Receiving Yards
Projections suggest Charbonnet could take the bulk of the work if he's playing. Will Seattle lean on its vet vs. the Chiefs in the primetime spotlight?
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Charbonnet is back on the Seahawks’ 53-man roster ahead of the Sunday Night Football showdown vs. Kenneth Walker and the Chiefs. It’s a major accomplishment after dealing with an ACL injury in January.
If Charbonnet returns in Week 7, expect the Seahawks to immediately lean on their veteran running back.
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