The Seattle Seahawks entered the NFL playoffs relatively healthy, but the team is dealing with some significant injury challenges despite being one game away from the Super Bowl. Seattle was able to survive Sam Darnold’s late oblique injury scare to make short work of the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.
The Seahawks were not as fortunate with one of the team’s key playmakers. If the Seahawks win the Super Bowl, it will be without one of their standout running backs.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald revealed that Zach Charbonnet will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a knee injury. Charbonnet sustained the injury against the Niners.
“Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending knee injury that will require surgery, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said on Seattle Sports. Macdonald called it ‘a significant knee injury, unfortunately. Breaks your heart. He’s going to need surgery, so he’s got a good long road to come back,'” ESPN’s Adam Schefter detailed in a January 19, 2026, message on X.
Here’s a look at the latest Seahawks news ahead of the team’s NFC Championship matchup against the Rams.
The Seahawks Are Expected to Lean on Ken Walker Amid Zach Charbonnet’s Season-Ending Injury
The good news is Ken Walker is playing at a high level and will likely get the majority of the carries against the Rams as a result of Charbonnet’s injury. In addition to Walker, the Seahawks have running back Velus Jones Jr. on the roster. It would not be a surprise if Seattle made a late practice squad addition at running back.
Seattle is a 2.5-point favorite versus Los Angeles in the NFC Championship odds, per FanDuel. The Seahawks are also listed a +145 favorite to win the Super Bowl ahead of the conference championship matchups.
Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet Sustained a Torn ACL vs. 49ers: Report
It is brutal news for Charbonnet who not only will miss the rest of the playoffs but faces a long journey back ahead of the 2026 season. Charbonnet sustained a torn ACL, per Schefter.
Following the Seahawks’ win over the 49ers, Macdonald sounded optimistic that Charbonnet’s injury was not considered serious. Clearly things changed after Charbonnet underwent further evaluation.
Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald on Improved Rushing Attack Led by Ken Walker: ‘It’s Great to See It Come to Life’
After a slow start to the season, Seattle’s rushing attack has been potent in recent weeks, especially against the 49ers. Walker also had success against the Rams, posting 11 carries for 100 rushing yards and one touchdown in the December 28, matchup. The playmaker added three receptions for 64 yards in the previous game.
“It’s everybody,” Macdonald said of the Seahawks’ improved rushing attack during a January 17, press conference, per Seahawks.com. “Our coaches deserve a ton of credit. K9 (Ken Walker) obviously had a great game.
“A lot of it is coming on wide zone, you know that’s something that we’ve been having to work all year and that’s where we hang our hat on, so it’s great to see it come to life.”
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