Seahawks Pull the Plug on Zach Charbonnet's Sunday Night Return Against the Chiefs

The NFL injury report is basically a weekly exercise in gaslighting. After practicing fully on Wednesday and Thursday and getting everyone hyped for a triumphant return, the Seattle Seahawks just pulled the plug on running back Zach Charbonnet for Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs.

ESPN's Adam Schefter dropped the official rule-out on Friday, abruptly ending the optimism that had been building all week. Charbonnet was just activated from the PUP list to the 53-man roster, and league insiders were swearing he was going to play a massive role immediately.

"ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the official rule-out on Friday."

Instead, anyone who jumped the gun on fantasy lineups or rushing props is left holding the bag. Charbonnet hasn't played a snap since tearing his ACL against the San Francisco 49ers in January, and it looks like the reigning Super Bowl champions are playing it safe with their 2025 breakout star.

The timing is brutal for Seattle. The Seahawks are staring down the barrel of a three-game losing streak, and now they have to host the undefeated Chiefs without the guy who racked up 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

To make matters worse, former Seattle backfield staple Kenneth Walker III is returning to town wearing Chiefs red. With Jadarian Price on injured reserve, Seattle is stuck leaning on Emanuel Wilson to carry the load for an offense that currently ranks an uninspiring 18th in rushing.

Trying to run a one-dimensional offense led by Sam Darnold—who is currently sitting on a perfectly balanced seven touchdowns and seven interceptions—against a Kansas City defense allowing just 16.6 points per game is a recipe for a long night.

Charbonnet's full practices mean he is agonizingly close, making him a prime candidate to finally debut next week. But for Sunday night, the Seahawks are going to have to find another way to keep pace with a Kansas City buzzsaw.