The Seahawks are riding a wave of momentum, but that surge hit a painful speed bump on Monday.
Running back Zach Charbonnet is done for the season after tearing his ACL, a brutal twist at the worst possible moment with Seattle on the brink of the Super Bowl.
The injury came late in the first half of Saturday night’s jaw-dropping 41–6 demolition of the San Francisco 49ers — a night that should have been remembered only for celebration, not heartbreak.
How It Happened on a Night to Remember
Charbonnet, just 25 and in the middle of the best season of his career, went down before halftime against the Niners.
The Seahawks didn’t miss a beat on the scoreboard, but the loss loomed large once the final whistle blew.
What followed was confirmation nobody in Seattle wanted to hear: a torn ACL that will require surgery and months of rehab.
Mike Macdonald’s Emotional Message
Head coach Mike Macdonald didn’t hide how much the injury hurt, speaking with raw emotion on Monday.
He described it as a “significant knee injury” and admitted it was the kind of moment that “breaks your heart.”
Macdonald made it clear that Charbonnet isn’t just another name on the depth chart — he’s the embodiment of what the Seahawks want their players to be.
Tough. Selfless. Detail-oriented. A great teammate and an even better person.
Macdonald stressed that while this setback stings, the belief inside the building is unwavering.
Charbonnet, he said, will be back — and back stronger.
Kenneth Walker Takes Center Stage
With Charbonnet sidelined, the Seahawks’ backfield now belongs firmly to Kenneth Walker.
If there were any doubts about whether Walker could carry the load, he erased them emphatically against San Francisco.
He gashed the 49ers for 145 rushing yards and punched in three touchdowns, turning a playoff heavyweight into a lopsided affair.
Now, with a Super Bowl spot on the line against the Rams, Walker becomes the clear focal point of Seattle’s ground game.
What Charbonnet Leaves Behind This Season
Before the injury, Charbonnet was quietly putting together a standout year.
He wraps up the 2025 regular season with career highs across the board — 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 games.
Those numbers tell only part of the story. His consistency, toughness, and reliability were central to Seattle’s rise, making the timing of the injury especially cruel.
There’s also the reality that the torn ACL will almost certainly keep him out for the start of the 2026 season in September.
Depth Options Waiting in the Wings
Seattle isn’t completely without options.
The Seahawks will lean on a trio of backups to help fill the void: Velus Jones Jr., Cam Akers, and George Holani.
None can fully replace what Charbonnet brings, but the expectation is that the group can collectively shoulder the load behind Walker as the stakes skyrocket.
A Season Still Full of Bright Spots
Despite the bad news, this Seahawks season has been packed with positives.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as one of the NFL’s most dangerous wide receivers, becoming a weekly nightmare for opposing defenses.
His growth has been a major reason Seattle is still standing in January.
At quarterback, Sam Darnold has taken a leap few saw coming.
He even gutted through an oblique injury against the 49ers, refusing to come off the field as he steered Seattle to one of the most dominant playoff wins in franchise history.
Darnold’s Health Update Offers Relief
Macdonald offered reassurance on Darnold’s condition, saying the quarterback is “doing good” and didn’t aggravate the injury during Saturday’s game.
While soreness is expected, there’s no indication the issue will limit him heading into Sunday’s showdown.
What’s Next?
All eyes now turn to Los Angeles.
The Seahawks face the Rams on Sunday with a place in the Super Bowl on the line, knowing that the final game of the season will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8 — the very home of the team they just dismantled.
Charbonnet won’t be on the field, but his presence will still be felt.
Seattle will try to carry his toughness, resilience, and spirit one step further, hoping to turn heartbreak into history.
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