SEATTLE — The Seattle Seahawks will be without running back Zach Charbonnet for at least the next three games on the physically unable to perform list, but a return to practice is coming soon. Head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters Friday the team is finalizing a date for Charbonnet to rejoin practice as he continues his recovery from an ACL tear suffered in the NFC Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers.
"Zach's doing great," Macdonald said. "We're getting down to him possibly finding a date where he can start practicing again. That's coming soon. When that exact date is, we haven't finalized that yet, but it's coming soon." Charbonnet has had no setbacks in his rehab, with signs pointing to a return sooner rather than later.
The timeline reflects a change in PUP rules. Previously, players on the PUP list could not have their 21-day practice window opened until after missing four games. Under the current rule, Charbonnet can return to practice as early as the start of Week 3 against the Washington Commanders, which would give him as much as a two-week ramp-up before Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Charbonnet led Seattle in touchdowns last regular season with a career-high 12 rushing scores and posted a career-best 730 rushing yards. While first-round rookie Jadarian Price has drawn headlines in Seattle's remade backfield, Charbonnet's looming return would provide a significant boost.