Zach Charbonnet has logged his first full practice since opening his return window from a torn ACL, placing the Seattle Seahawks running back on track for a potential season debut against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Lumen Field.
Charbonnet suffered the knee injury during the team’s postseason divisional-round victory over the San Francisco 49ers on January 17, 2026, and subsequently underwent reconstructive surgery on February 20. The Seattle Seahawks activated running back Zach Charbonnet from the physically unable to perform list on Thursday, October 22, 2026, meeting the league deadline to salvage his season after an eight-month recovery from a torn ACL.
Zach Charbonnet practicing, and starting what coach Mike Macdonald says will be his 1st full week of work in practice since reconstructive knee surgery 8 months ago.If the week goes well, #Seahawks expect him to make his season debut Sunday night vs the Chiefs @933KJR pic.twitter.com/KzAyGXJVzx
Charbonnet reached a milestone on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, when he was listed as a full participant in practice for the first time since opening his 21-day practice window on October 1 after missing the first six games of the campaign. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald addressed the media regarding the running back’s preparation and potential availability for the primetime matchup against the visiting Chiefs.
Zach is going to have a full week’s worth of reps, so that’s exciting, and there’s a possibility that you could see him on Sunday in some capacity, so that’s exciting.
Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Head Coach
Seahawks Adjust Roster for Charbonnet Return
ESPN NFL Nation reporter Brady Henderson noted that Eric Saubert and Nick Kallerup are expected to expand their roles alongside starting tight end AJ Barner while the former second-round pick remains sidelined with his shoulder injury. To clear a roster spot for Charbonnet’s activation, the Seahawks placed second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo on injured reserve following shoulder surgery.
A notable step for Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet in his return from a torn ACL: Seattle listed him as a full participant for the first time since he retuned to practice on Oct. 1. He'd been listed as limited on every injury report from then until today. pic.twitter.com/KEaBmFyMof
During the 2025 regular season, Charbonnet recorded 730 rushing yards on 184 carries with a team-high 12 touchdowns while platooning with Kenneth Walker III. Seattle enters the Week 7 contest holding a 3-3 record after dropping a 17-14 decision to the Denver Broncos, and the team’s ground game has struggled for consistency, ranking 18th in the NFL through the first six weeks.
Walker Returns to Seattle
Walker leads the NFL with 133 rushing yards per game and has scored eight combined touchdowns for the 5-0 Chiefs. Sunday’s matchup brings an immediate reunion with Walker, who signed with Kansas City in free agency after earning Super Bowl LX MVP honors in Seattle’s 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in February.
Macdonald acknowledged the complex nature of facing their former backfield star on Sunday Night Football.
But I think there’s mixed emotions. We’re happy for him, but also, we’re trying to figure out ways to stop this guy, too.
Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Head Coach
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters about preparing for Walker’s return to Seattle.
I think the boys there will try to get after him a little bit.
Andy Reid, Chiefs Head Coach
Defensive Schemes for Sunday Night Football
Reid also addressed the challenge of facing a Seattle defense under Macdonald’s scheme.
They’re the best in the business right now. Mike does a nice job with the defense, and they have a good scheme; then they fly around. They believe in it, and they fly around. They aren’t a lot of hiccups on the back end.
Andy Reid, Chiefs Head Coach
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. Eastern Time at Lumen Field, with television coverage broadcast nationally on NBC.
Zach Charbonnet up to full participation. Drake Thomas still sidelined, as Mike Macdonald confirmed before practice. #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/4mBla0uFKQ
More on Zach Charbonnet
We have activated RB Zach Charbonnet from the physically unable to perform list.Read more » https://t.co/gWcVIiVqUO pic.twitter.com/55ci7ASofb
As expected, the Seahawks activated RB Zach Charbonnet off IR. They had to do so by today, which marks 21 days since they designated him to return to practice. Seattle also placed TE Elijah Arroyo on IR. Per @AdamSchefter, he's having season-ending shoulder surgery today.
The #Seahawks have activated RB Zach Charbonnet from the PUP list, a significant move.
Keep reading
