Seahawks coach 'optimistic' on RB Zach Charbonnet (knee)

Field Level Media|published: Sun 18th January, 10:12 2026

Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) carries the ball as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green (0) defends during the first half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was cautiously optimistic when discussing the knee injury sustained by running back Zach Charbonnet in Saturday's NFC divisional-round win against the San Francisco 49ers.

Charbonnet was injured in the second quarter after being tackled on a third-and-short opportunity. He was slow to his feet and favored his left knee before heading to the sideline. He did not return, finishing with five carries for 20 yards.

"Optimistic with Charbs," Macdonald said after the top-seeded Seahawks' 41-6 rout of the visiting 49ers. "We've got to get an image and stuff, but early indications are hopefully it's OK structurally. But you never know with these things, but he wasn't able to come back, obviously."

Whether Charbonnet is able to play in next week's NFC Championship Game is unknown. The Seahawks, who will play in the conference title game for the first time since the 2014 season, will host the winner of Sunday's contest between the Los Angeles Rams and host Chicago Bears.

Kenneth Walker III, who led the Seahawks in carries (221) and rushing yards (1,027) during the regular season, totaled 116 yards on the ground and three touchdowns on Saturday.

Charbonnet, 25, rushed for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 games during the regular season.

--Field Level Media

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