Zach Charbonnet challenging Kenneth Walker III as Seahawks’ backfield battle heats up

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker missed most of training camp with an ankle injury, and his understudy, Zach Charbonnet, has taken full advantage of the opportunity.

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In Seattle's Week 2 preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Charbonnet had five carries for 45 yards, including this touchdown run.

His impressive performance did not go unnoticed.

"Zach, he's just a stud," Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald told ESPN. "He just does it every day. Same person, great spirit, strong as an ox, does everything right. I mean, what do you want from a football player? Zach Charbonnet."

In 2024, Walker produced 3.7 yards per carry when healthy, but injuries sidelined him for five games. Charbonnet ably stood in as Walker's replacement when called upon, managing 4.2 yards per carry.

However, those raw numbers overlook how elusive Walker was last year.

While Macdonald's comments and recent performances may point to more of a committee approach in 2025, former NFL quarterback Brock Huard believes Charbonnet has earned the job outright.

"Zach Charbonnet is gonna start versus the 49ers Week 1 at home," Huard said on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk show.

Walker enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2025, forcing Seattle into a corner about his future.

Charbonnet has two years left under contract, and Huard is clear about what he thinks the Seahawks' long-term priority should be.

"You pay off the guys that earn it. Zach Charbonnet has earned this."

Walker has returned to full practice with the first team.

His head coach was pleased with what he saw.

“He looks great. He looks fast," Macdonald said on Sunday. "It’s exciting to have him out there."

Walker’s return to the practice field was encouraging, but the race to lead the backfield when the Seahawks take on the 49ers in Week 1 seems closer than ever.

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