Zach Charbonnet is officially starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, a tough blow that means our guy is out for at least four games as he continues recovery from ACL surgery. It’s never easy seeing key players sidelined, especially when we’re gearing up for Week 1, and this puts an immediate spotlight on our running back depth. For the early part of the season, the Seahawks are rolling with Jadarian Price, George Holani, and Emanuel Wilson as the three-man backfield.
The PUP Reality for Our Emerald City Back
We all knew Charbonnet’s ACL recovery was going to be a journey, and placing him on the PUP list means he absolutely cannot hit the field until Week 5 at the earliest. That would be against the San Francisco 49ers, a team we know all too well. However, with Week 5 and 6 being a brutal Sunday-Thursday turnaround, Head Coach Mike Macdonald and OC Brian Fleury might play it safe. If they do, we wouldn’t see Charbonnet until Week 7, when the Kansas City Chiefs come to town. It’s a bummer to think about him missing those crucial early-season matchups.
The NFL’s Secret Weapon for Charbonnet’s Comeback
But here’s where it gets wild, 12s. There’s a rule change in the NFL this season that is a game-changer for Charbonnet’s return. Historically, a player on the PUP list couldn’t even *start* their 21-day practice window until they’d missed the full four games. Not anymore! This new rule means Charbonnet, whose offseason recovery has reportedly gone smoothly, can have his practice window activated after just the *second* regular season game is completed. Think about that: he could be back on the practice field as early as Week 3. It’s not a rush to get him into that 49ers game, but getting him practicing weeks earlier is a massive boost to his readiness and our team’s plans.
Imagine a full-circle moment for Charbonnet. His season cruelly ended against the 49ers last year, in a de facto NFC West title showdown where he scored his only touchdown. A return against that same opponent in Week 5 would be poetic justice. Whether it’s Week 5 or Week 7, the possibility of getting Charbonnet back on the practice field ahead of schedule thanks to this rule change means we’ve got something huge to look forward to. Keep an eye on those practice reports after Week 2, because our guy could be gearing up sooner than anyone expected.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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