Zach Charbonnet is officially starting the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which means our running back room is looking a lot different for the early games. This move was expected as he recovers from ACL surgery, but it still stings to know our guy won’t be out there right away.
Who’s Carrying the Rock?
This puts the spotlight squarely on our three active running backs: Jadarian Price, George Holani, and Emanuel Wilson. They’re the trio who made the initial 53-man roster, and they’ll be carrying the load while Charbonnet is out. He’s gotta miss a minimum of four games, so the earliest we could see him back in action is Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers. What a storyline that would be, right? Remember that “de facto NFC West title showdown” where he scored his only touchdown and then tragically got hurt against those same Niners? If they play it safe because Week 5 and 6 are a short Sunday-Thursday turnaround, then Week 7 versus the Kansas City Chiefs could be his debut.
That Game-Changing NFL Rule
Here’s the wild card, and honestly, the best news in all this: a new NFL rule change this season could get Charbonnet back on the practice field way sooner than we thought! Before, guys on PUP couldn’t open their 21-day practice window until after four games. But now? That window can be activated after just the *second* regular season game. This means Charbonnet, whose recovery has apparently gone smoothly, could be practicing with the team as early as Week 3! Even if there’s no rush to throw him into that 49ers game, getting those practice reps so much earlier is HUGE for getting him game-ready and integrated.
So yeah, we’re definitely keeping our eyes on Price, Holani, and Wilson to step up big time for the first few weeks. But man, the thought of seeing Charbonnet back on the practice field by Week 3? That’s the light at the end of the tunnel, 12s. Let’s get through these early games, and get ready for a strong finish when our guys are healthy and rolling!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Field Gulls.
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