Coach Mike Macdonald, fresh off leading our Seahawks to their second Super Bowl title, kicked off training camp Saturday, dropping a bombshell truth: “We’re all kind of new people here in this situation, which, by definition, makes us a new team too.” Talk about turning the page! With roughly 30 percent of the roster changed and some shifts on the coaching staff, Macdonald isn’t looking back, even after hoisting the Lombardi. But as the Emerald City faithful celebrated the start of a new season, two critical players landed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, immediately putting a cloud over camp.
RB Room Has Us Asking Questions
The biggest question mark right now has to be our running back situation. Zach Charbonnet, who absolutely owned the red zone last season with a career-high 12 touchdowns, is on the PUP list after tearing his ACL in that Divisional round game against the 49ers. That’s a gut punch, considering he and the now-departed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III were a committee approach, with Charbonnet taking the bulk of those crucial goal-line carries. Macdonald confirmed Charbonnet “attacked the heck out of the offseason in his rehab,” and we all saw the results he deserved. But until he’s healthy, it’s a huge void. Are we going to see a full-on committee with Emanuel Wilson (signed from Green Bay), rookie Jadarian Price, George Holani, and Kenny McIntosh? Or will Charbonnet eventually reclaim that main option role? The 12s need answers here.
Our Secondary’s Standout and a Wideout’s Return
It’s not just Charbonnet, though. Standout safety Nick Emmanwori, who was a runner-up for Rookie of the Year with 11 passes defended, an interception, and 2.5 sacks in 14 games, is also on the PUP list after recent ankle surgery. He suffered a low sprain just four days before the Super Bowl but toughed it out. Macdonald said it’s “something that he’s been dealing with since the Super Bowl” and they opted to “get it fixed” for the long term. The good news? There’s optimism he could be ready for the September 9 opener against the New England Patriots! Macdonald wouldn’t confirm or deny it, only saying, “He could play in the opener.” We’re all holding our breath, hoping to see him out there. On a brighter note, second-year wide receiver Tory Horton, who scored six touchdowns in his first eight games before a shin injury ended his rookie season prematurely, was healthy and running routes all afternoon. He’s back providing depth to an already stacked receiving corps that includes AP Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and Rashid Shaheed.
The season opener against the Patriots on Wednesday night, September 9, is rapidly approaching. Will Emmanwori be on the field? How will the running back committee shake out? This “new team” under Macdonald has huge shoes to fill, and every snap between now and then matters. Can’t wait to see what unfolds!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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