newstalkkzrg
As the Seattle Seahawks get ready to take on their former running back, Kenneth Walker III, they might also receive some reinforcements for their own ground attack. Second-year running back Zach Charbonnet could see his first action of the season on Sunday when the Seahawks host the Kansas City Chiefs, who remain unbeaten.
Charbonnet was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and was moved to the active roster on Thursday. His potential return comes at an opportune moment for Seattle, which is coming off a 17-14 loss to the Denver Broncos last Thursday night—the team's third defeat of the season. The Seahawks' rushing offense has been inconsistent, and Charbonnet's fresh legs could provide a spark. He suffered a torn ACL in January and began the season on the physically unable to perform list, missing the first six games.
"There is a possibility that you can see him on Sunday in some capacity," Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said this week.
Seattle currently ranks 18th in the NFL with an average of 107.2 rushing yards per game and has scored five rushing touchdowns. Rookie Jadarian Price, who was expected to contribute, is sidelined with a chest/shoulder injury. Last season, Charbonnet ran for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns before his injury.
One major factor in Seattle's rushing decline has been the departure of Walker, the Super Bowl MVP who signed with Kansas City as a free agent in the offseason. "But I think there's mixed emotions. We're happy for him, but also, we're trying to figure out ways to stop this guy, too," Macdonald said.
Walker is coming off a 128-yard, two-touchdown performance in Kansas City's 22-6 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday—his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season. He leads the league with an average of 133 rushing yards per game and has scored eight total touchdowns. Walker became Seattle's featured back after Charbonnet's injury and ran for 135 yards in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, earning MVP honors.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expects Walker to approach his return to Seattle like any other game. "I think the boys there will try to get after him a little bit. But he's a pretty level-headed guy. The way he plays, you're going to get a good rep when he gets the ball in his hands," Reid said. "He kind of has one speed: He's coming at you. It doesn't matter who he's playing or where he's playing."
Seattle's run defense is allowing 96 yards per game and has given up four rushing touchdowns. The Seahawks have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 35 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the league.
Key Analysis
The matchup features a fascinating subplot: Walker facing his former team for the first time, while Charbonnet attempts to reassert himself in a backfield that has missed his production. Seattle's run defense will be tested by Walker's league-leading rushing average, but the Seahawks have been stout against the run, not allowing a 100-yard rusher in over two years. Meanwhile, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' top-ranked offense (414 yards per game) will challenge a Seattle pass defense that leads the NFL (141.3 yards allowed per game). Mahomes has thrown for 1,309 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions this season, completing 66.5% of his passes, and in two career games against Seattle, he has 497 passing yards and six touchdowns.
Kansas City (5-0) enters the game with a 3-2 record against the spread, while Seattle (3-3) is 2-4. The Seahawks are 2.5-point favorites. Last week, the Chiefs defeated the Chargers 22-6, and the Seahawks lost to the Broncos 17-14. The teams last met on Dec. 24, 2022, with Kansas City winning 24-10 at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs lead the all-time series 34-19.
Other notable stats: Mahomes earned his 100th career regular-season win last week, and the Chiefs recorded four sacks against Justin Herbert—their first sacks in three games. Tight end Travis Kelce has caught a pass in 196 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL. Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has five 100-yard receiving games this season and leads the league with 717 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, and 119.5 yards per game; he also leads the NFL with 17 100-yard games since 2024.
Originally reported by newstalkkzrg.