What should have been a celebratory moment for the Seahawks after dismantling the 49ers in the NFC Divisional has quickly soured, with head coach Mike Macdonald announcing that star running back Zach Charbonnet’s season is over due to a knee injury.
After the Saturday game, Macdonald reported optimism that everything appeared structurally sound. However, we now know that’s not the case, as reports confirm a torn ACL, the latest in a long list of players to suffer this injury.
Charbonnet recorded 184 carries for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. The running back will enter the final year of his rookie contract next season, with unrestricted free agency available in 2027.
As for a timeline, we’ll get a more definite look once he undergoes surgery. Best-case scenario, he has surgery ASAP and returns late in the 2026 season. Worst-case scenario, he misses the entire 2026 season.
“A significant knee injury, unfortunately. Breaks your heart,” Macdonald said. “He’s going to need surgery, so he’s got a good, long road to come back.”