The injury that Seattle Seahawks fans were concerned about entering the divisional round playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers – quarterback Sam Darnold’s oblique strain – proved inconsequential. However, coach Mike Macdonald confirmed on Monday that running back Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Seahawks' win.
This is an obvious blow to Seattle’s well-balanced offense that relies on its running game as much as any team in the league. Under Klint Kubiak, Seattle finished third in the league in rushing attempts. Though they were not as productive on the ground as some other teams, the emphasis on the ground game served to maintain time of possession and pound opposing defenses for four quarters.
Kenneth Walker was the lead back, but Charbonnet split offensive snaps right down the middle. He provided a potent power option to Walker’s speed. Walker gained more yards and had a higher yards per carry, but Charbonnet scored more touchdowns and converted more first downs.
Who will replace Zach Charbonnet in the Seattle Seahawks’ backfield?
They functioned so well together that they finished second and third in Pro Football Focus’ (subscription required) league-wide running back grades, a highly unusual result for two backs from the same team.
When they face the Rams on Sunday, Walker will be getting a lot of work. That was likely to be the case even before his running mate was injured.
In two games against Los Angeles this season, Walker was sensational, gaining 167 yards on just 27 carries – better than six yards-per-run. He scored a touchdown in each game.
The Rams did a better job on Charbonnet, limiting the bigger back to just 67 yards on 20 carries. Walker also contributed 80 yards on receptions to Charbonnet’s 15.
But Seattle has made it a point to platoon its two runners, saving wear and tear on both. With just two potential games left this season, resting becomes less important. But Seattle will still want to provide some support for Walker, if only to give opposing defenses different looks to worry about.
Who might be available to pick up the slack? Here are three in-house possibilities as well as three from the outside. And one trick play, bonus choice as well.
In-house
Velus Jones Jr.
Jones would seem to be first in line. He was the third and final back active last week, so when Charbonnet went down, Jones got into the action. In four years, Jones -- a converted wide receiver -- has never carried the ball more than ten times in a season. His six carries against San Francisco were the most he ever had in an NFL game, and he only managed 10 yards.
Cam Akers
Akers was a healthy scratch in favor of Jones last week, so it would appear he is trailing Jones on the depth chart. At 5’10”, 217 pounds, Akers is closer in size to Charbonnet, so perhaps Charbonnet’s absence will cause Mike Macdonald and Klint Kubiak to turn to the six-year veteran. Akers ran for over 100 yards the last time these teams met in the playoffs, when he was a member of the Rams in 2020.
George Holani
If he were not injured, this would have been George Holani’s job. He has only been in the league for two years, but they have all been spent with the Seahawks. They trusted him to be their third back after Kenny McIntosh was injured before the season.
He is a strong runner and quality special teamer. There has been no word of late on his health status. If he is ready to return, George Holani could play a big role in Seattle’s most important games.
External Options
Gus Edwards
Edwards is a powerhouse who played productive seasons in Baltimore when Mike Macdonald was there. The “Gus Bus” has not been in operation since 2024, so it is unknown whether he is in condition to step onto the field. If he is in shape, Edwards is the best power-running option available on the free agent market.
Jamaal Williams
Williams played his final season in New Orleans in Klint Kubiak’s offense, so his familiarity with the system could give him a leg up. Three years ago, he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns. He has not been especially productive since then, but at 30, with little wear and tear over the last two seasons, he might provide some solid power running.
Elijah Mitchell
Mitchell is intriguing for a few reasons. First, he is one of the younger options available. Second, unlike the two players mentioned above, he has been with a couple of teams this year and actually played in a game for Kansas City in 2025. Mitchell looked like a gem in Kyle Shanahan’s system as a rookie back in 2021, but he was never able to build on that early success.
At 200 pounds, he would not provide Charbonnet’s style of power running. But what is especially intriguing about Mitchell is the fact that he spent the last three weeks on the practice squad in New England, Seattle’s most likely Super Bowl opponent should they get past the Rams.
Wild Card - Rashid Shaheed
I would not expect much of this, but don’t be surprised if Kubiak designs and calls a few additional running plays for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed.
Seattle’s offense usually gets him the ball on a jet sweep once or twice a game, and as he showed against the 49ers, he can be deadly if he turns the corner. Shaheed is far from a power runner, and he is too valuable in other areas to risk overworking him, but a few extra runs in key moments are not out of the question.