Zach Charbonnet, our running back, is starting training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list, and it looks like he is probably going to begin the actual season on the reserve/PUP list. This is a tough pill to swallow for the Emerald City faithful, especially with the regular season looming.
Coach Macdonald Weighs In on Charbonnet’s Road Back
Head Coach Mike Macdonald gave us an update on Charbonnet’s rehab, and while it wasn’t a definitive timeline, it definitely tells you where things stand. Macdonald said, “It’s just a progression that you’ve got to be able to do to get your body ready to play, especially at the running back position. He’s going through it, hitting his hurdles, and we’re rolling. We’ll see what the timetable is and how quickly he comes back.” “We’re rolling” sounds good, but “we’ll see what the timetable is” tells you everything you need to know about the uncertainty right now.
Charbonnet underwent surgery to repair that torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee back on February 20. This injury came on his fifth carry in the divisional round of the playoffs, which just hurts to remember. Before he got hurt, the guy was a beast, racking up 730 yards and 12 touchdowns on 184 carries in the regular season. That kind of production is hard to replace, plain and simple.
The Backfield Outlook Without Charbonnet
With Charbonnet likely sidelined to start the season, the pressure is on the rest of the running back room. The Seahawks drafted Jadarian Price in the first round, a move that made it clear they needed a new lead back after Kenneth Walker, who won a Super Bowl MVP, left for Kansas City in the offseason. Price is gonna be huge for us early on, no doubt. The team needs someone to step up and carry the load while Charbonnet works his way back. We’re all rooting for him, but getting a body ready for the grind of an NFL season, especially at running back, takes time.
So, what’s next? We’re heading into the preseason without our proven back from last year, and all eyes are on Price to see what he can do. The biggest thing to look forward to is Charbonnet hitting those “hurdles” Coach Macdonald talked about. Every step in his rehab is a step closer to getting him back on the field, powering through defenses for our Hawks. The sooner, the better, but it’s clear this is going to be a patient wait for the 12s.
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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