SI's Albert Breer visited Seahawks training camp early this week and had an interesting take on the return timeline for RB Zach Charbonnet in his recovery from a January ACL tear. Charbonnet's currently on the physically unable to perform list but eligible to come off at any point the team deems him ready to practice. If he stays on the PUP throughout camp, the RB would be eligible to stay on the list into the season. That would cost him at least the first four games.
What They're Saying: Charbs Progressing Well Through Rehab
Breer: "Zach Charbonnet's readiness for Week 1 looms as a potential close call -- and the Seahawks are going to be smart with him, in the hopes that they get his best when it matters most."
HC Mike Macdonald on Charbonnet after Day 1 of camp: "He’s done a phenomenal job. He’s attacked the heck out of the offseason and his rehab as you would expect, and the returns have been what he’s deserved. He’s really put in that work. So I’m really excited about where he is. No timetable right now. He’s kicking butt, and he deserves a shoutout because he’s a special guy."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Take Notice but Temper Excitement
Did Breer talk to Seattle decision makers and come away with the impression that Charbs has a real shot at the opener? Or did he just clumsily say the same thing about there being no timeline?
(Not gonna lie, the whole article's a bit clumsy. So I believe that's a distinct possibility.)
Either way, we'll have to wait to see when the team actually activates Charbonnet before setting our expectations. The sheer possibility that he could be an early-season factor at least makes Charbs a decent late-round stash. Just don't chase him up the draft board if the market starts getting excited.
Whenever Charbonnet takes the field, he should see at least a decent-sized role. The backfield otherwise sports 32nd-overall pick Jadarian Price and low-level veterans George Holani and Emanuel Wilson.
