The Seattle Seahawks have designated running back Charbonnet for return, meaning the team has as many as 21 days to make a decision on when the tailback could start playing in real games. Charbonnet's pending return couldn't have come at a better time.
The running back won't play in Week 4 because he began the season on injured reserve, meaning he had to miss at least the first four games. He could return by Week 5, but much of that timeline depends on how well and how fully he is able to practice. Next week's practices will be telling. If Charbonnet isn't limited, he could play against the San Francisco 49ers on October 11.
That might still be a stretch, and even when he begins playing in real games, he might be on a snap count. Still, his presence should buoy a Seattle rushing attack that hasn't been overly effective.
Seattle Seahawks open Zach Charbonnet's window for return
Through three games, Seattle is averaging 3.8 yards per rush, 21st in the NFL, and 101.0 yards per game (18th). Far worse is that the Seahawks only have one rushing touchdown so far, and that was by tight end AJ Barner. In other words, a running back has yet to score.
Charbonnet has proven to be quite good in that aspect in recent seasons. He had 12 last season, which led the Seahawks and was sixth in the league. Charbonnet had eight rushing touchdowns the season before. Plus, as opposed to rookie Jadarian Price, who has fumbled in each of the last two games, Charbonnet hasn't fumbled in his career.
Price has definitely shown a unique ability and has elite speed with good power. He has the skill set worthy of being a long-term RB1, but he might not be completely ready to play that role yet. Once Zach Charbonnet is able to play again and is fully up to speed, he could take over the starting spot and then rotate reps with Price.
Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's scheme requires the team to run the ball effectively, and do so quite often. That hasn't played out so far this season, but due to a combination of factors. The running back group certainly hasn't been effective, and the offensive line might still be adjusting to Fleury's blocking scheme.
Charbonnet has the ability to change all that. He is a straight-ahead runner who can overpower defensive players, while also adding a tinge of stunning speed. He doesn't need to wait to find holes; he can sometimes create them on his own.
What is clear is that the Seahawks aren't going to have to wait until December to get Charbonnet back. The expectation should be that he returns in October, whether that is in Week 5 or later. Help is on the way for Seattle's run game, and that should happen somewhat soon, between October 5 and 22.
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