Charbonnet’s prolonged absence stems from a complex right knee injury suffered in Week 17 last December, which involved a torn ACL and secondary structural damage. The recovery timeline for the 25-year-old power back was initially projected at nine to twelve months following offseason surgery. While Charbonnet avoided starting the 2026 season on the Reserve/PUP list, head coach Mike Macdonald and Seattle’s medical staff have adopted a cautious approach to prevent long-term setbacks or compensation injuries.

Losing Charbonnet for another crucial prime-time contest compounds an already difficult personnel situation in Seattle’s backfield. Following the offseason departure of Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III to Kansas City, Charbonnet was slated to step into a primary bell-cow role. Instead, his extended rehab has forced Seattle to scramble for backfield answers amidst a frustrating three-game losing streak.

Who is Seahawks starting RB vs Chiefs?

With both Zach Charbonnet and rookie Jadarian Price ruled out for Sunday night, Emanuel Wilson takes the field as the Seattle Seahawks’ starting running back against the Chiefs. Wilson, who was acquired mid-season to bolster depth, steps directly into the spotlight behind quarterback Sam Darnold.

Seattle’s running game struggles leave no margin for error at 3-3

The absence of Charbonnet and Walker’s loss has exposed a major vulnerability in Mike Macdonald’s offense. Without a threat in the run game, opposing defenses have dropped extra coverage into the secondary, forcing Sam Darnold into high-risk passing situations.

Sitting at 3-3 after a strong start to the year, Seattle faces a zero-margin-for-error scenario in the NFC West. Facing Kenneth Walker and a disciplined 5-0 Chiefs front seven on national television, Wilson and the Seahawks’ offensive line must generate early push to keep the game plan balanced and stay competitive in Kansas City.

Key takeaways

• Zach Charbonnet is not playing tonight against the Chiefs as he continues to rehabilitate a severe knee injury from late 2025.
• With Charbonnet and Jadarian Price sidelined, Emanuel Wilson gets the start at running back for Seattle.
• Seattle’s rushing offense faces immense pressure to produce and avoid falling below .500 on the season.

Walker’s addition has transformed Andy Reid’s offense, powering Kansas City to an undefeated 5-0 start while catapulting the 26-year-old rusher into early MVP consideration. Walker leads the NFL in rushing yards with 665 yards and eight total touchdowns through five games, revitalizing a Chiefs ground attack that lacked punch last season. Meanwhile, Seattle has stumbled to a 3-3 record, struggling to generate offensive consistency without their former star back.

With Sam Darnold struggling and the Seahawks’ run game ranking near the bottom of the league, front-office observers continue to question how a defending champion allowed its primary offensive playmaker to walk away.

Why did Kenneth Walker leave Seahawks?

Kenneth Walker left the Seahawks because Seattle’s front office opted not to offer him a contract extension before he hit open free agency. Despite Walker’s postseason performance—including a 135-yard outing in Super Bowl LX—Seattle’s management adhered strictly to positional valuation models, choosing not to commit top-tier financial capital to the running back position.

With Seattle allowing Walker to test the market, the Kansas City Chiefs acted decisively. Looking to upgrade their ground game after a disappointing 2025 campaign, general manager Brett Veach signed Walker to a three-year, $45 million contract featuring $28.7 million in guaranteed money.

Several key factors drove the separation:

• No Extension Offer: According to multiple reports, Seattle never extended an official multi-year offer to Walker prior to free agency, allowing him to walk without a bidding war.
• Positional Allocation: Seattle leaned on a backfield rotation strategy with Zach Charbonnet, opting to allocate salary cap space toward defensive depth and offensive line assets rather than paying a premium running back market rate.
• Chiefs’ All-In Push: Kansas City presented a primary bell-cow role alongside Patrick Mahomes, giving Walker both financial security and an immediate opportunity to contend for back-to-back championships.

How Kenneth Walker’s departure reshaped Chiefs and Seahawks in 2026

The financial decision has produced contrasting results for both organizations through the first month and a half of the regular season:

• Kansas City’s Renaissance: Walker’s efficiency (6.3 yards per carry) has unlocked Kansas City’s play-action passing attack, taking pressure off Patrick Mahomes and establishing the Chiefs as clear Super Bowl contenders once again.
• Seattle’s Backfield Struggles: Coupled with Zach Charbonnet’s recovery from a torn ACL and injuries to rookie draft capital, Seattle ranks 31st in EPA per rush, leaving Sam Darnold without a reliable ground foundation.

As Walker steps onto his former home turf in Week 7, his performance stands as a direct response to the front-office evaluation that let him leave.

Key takeaways

• Kenneth Walker left Seattle after the Seahawks declined to offer him a contract extension, allowing him to enter free agency.
• Kansas City signed the Super Bowl MVP to a three-year, $45 million deal with $28.7 million guaranteed.
• Walker leads the NFL with 665 rushing yards for the 5-0 Chiefs, while the 3-3 Seahawks continue to search for consistency in their ground game.

The quarterback situation also comes into focus against the backdrop of a busy injury report, with Seattle’s backup depth drawing particular attention during the week. Drew Lock has been limited by a right elbow injury.

With the Chiefs also managing several injuries across their roster, both teams will need their available personnel ready for a high-profile primetime test. The quarterback depth charts are an important part of the pregame picture.

Seahawks QB depth chart: Starters and backups

Sam Darnold is the Seahawks’ starting quarterback, with Drew Lock listed as his backup and Jalen Milroe third on the depth chart ahead of Seattle’s Week 7 SNF matchup. Lock’s status is worth monitoring, however, as he is officially questionable with a right elbow injury.

Darnold remains first in Seattle’s quarterback order, while Lock provides the team’s primary alternative if the starter cannot continue. Lock was limited in practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, raising questions about his availability for the game at Lumen Field.

Milroe occupies the third spot. The young quarterback adds another option to the room, although his position on the depth chart means Lock would normally be next in line to replace Darnold. If Lock is unavailable, Seattle’s contingency plans could become a more important storyline as kickoff approaches.

Chiefs QB depth chart: Starters and backups

Patrick Mahomes is the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, with Justin Fields listed as his backup and Garrett Nussmeier third on Kansas City’s unofficial depth chart for the Week 7 matchup against the Seahawks.

Mahomes is dealing with a knee injury, but he was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and was not assigned a game status on the team’s final injury report.

Fields is next in line if Mahomes cannot play or has to leave the game. The veteran quarterback gives Kansas City another option at the position, while Nussmeier provides additional depth as the third-string quarterback.

For the Chiefs, the main concern entering the matchup is Mahomes’ knee rather than a change in the quarterback hierarchy. His full participation throughout the practice week is an encouraging sign, although the official depth chart continues to list Fields as the primary backup and Nussmeier as the third option.

Key takeaways

• Drew Lock has been limited by a right elbow injury for the Seattle Seahawks.
• Sam Darnold is the Seahawks’ starter, backed by Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe.
• Patrick Mahomes starts for Kansas City, backed by Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier.

One of the main storylines surrounding this primetime encounter is the running backs. Especially, all the spotlight is on Kenneth Walker III. After helping the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl, and him being named the MVP of said game, he opted to part ways with the team.

Walker signed with the Chiefs and has been nothing short of elite since joining forces with Patrick Mahomes. Now, it’s time for the revenge game of Walker facing hiss former team, which has struggled to get a consistent running game since letting him go.

Seahawks RB depth chart vs Chiefs

Without Walker, the Seahawks‘ running game has been heavily hampered. Also, Zach Charbonnet has been activated from PUP list, but he won’t be suiting up vs Chiefs. Hence, this is the Seahawks RB depth chart vs Chiefs:

• Emmanuel Wilson
• George Holani
• Velus Jones Jr.

Chiefs RB depth chart vs Seahawks

To much of the Seahawks’ dismay, now Kenneth Walker is electrifying the league repping the Chiefs shirt. Now, he will definitely be trying to make the most against his former team. This is the Chiefs RB depth chart vs Seahawks:

• Kenneth Walker III
• Emmett Johnson
• Jaydn Ott

Key takeaways

• Kansas City Chiefs play Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football in Week 7.
• Kenneth Walker III won Super Bowl MVP before parting ways with the Seahawks.
• Zach Charbonnet will not suit up for Seattle despite activation from the PUP list.

He has been sidelined since suffering the injury against the Las Vegas Raiders on October 4. Although the Chiefs initially described the issue as a minor setback, he was unable to return after their bye week and will miss another game.

With him unavailable, the team will need other receivers to step up against Seattle. Xavier Worthy and the rest of the receiving corps could see expanded opportunities as Patrick Mahomes looks to keep the offense productive.

How long will Rashee Rice be out?

Rashee Rice will miss the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 7 game and his return date beyond that remains uncertain. The wide receiver has been ruled out with hamstring and knee injuries after missing every practice session during the week.

He has now missed consecutive games after sitting out the Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite having the team’s bye week to recover, he was unable to return to full practice.

Who will replace Rashee Rice against the Seahawks?

Xavier Worthy is expected to take on a leading role in the Chiefs’ receiving corps against the Seahawks, while Justin Watson and Andrew Armstrong provide additional options for Patrick Mahomes.

Worthy is coming off a productive performance against the Chargers, when he led them with seven receptions for 73 yards. His speed and ability to create plays downfield could be particularly important against Seattle, especially with Rice unavailable.

Watson was elevated from the practice squad for the Seahawks game after returning to Kansas City earlier in October. He appeared in the previous matchup against the Chargers but played only one offensive snap without recording a target, so his role could grow as the Chiefs adjust their passing attack.

Armstrong, meanwhile, was signed to the active roster after making his NFL debut against Los Angeles, where he caught one pass for 13 yards. The rookie could earn additional opportunities as Kansas City works through its receiver injuries.

Travis Kelce should also remain an important target for Mahomes, provided his ankle injury does not limit his availability. The tight end caught three passes for 53 yards against the Chargers, matching Noah Gray’s receiving total.

Key takeaways

• Rashee Rice has been ruled out with knee and hamstring injuries against Seattle.
• He has been sidelined since October 4 after an injury against Las Vegas.
• Xavier Worthy led Kansas City with seven receptions for 73 yards against the Chargers.

The singer most recently supported her husband, Travis Kelce, at Kansas City’s October 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, but there has been no verified report confirming her presence in Seattle for Sunday’s game.

She has made several appearances at Chiefs games this season, including the season opener and the Week 2 matchup. Her latest appearance drew attention as she watched alongside Caitlin Clark and Este Haim.

Why might Taylor Swift miss Chiefs vs. Seahawks?

Taylor Swift’s attendance at the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the Seattle Seahawks remains unconfirmed, and the road matchup could be a factor in whether she attends. She is believed to be unlikely to attend today.

The Chiefs are playing at Lumen Field in Seattle on Sunday Night Football in Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season, rather than at Arrowhead Stadium, where she has made several appearances to support her husband, Travis Kelce.

She was last seen at a Chiefs game on October 18, when Kansas City faced the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. She watched from a suite alongside singer Este Haim and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. It was her third appearance at a game this season.

Is Travis Kelce playing against the Seahawks tonight?

Travis Kelce is expected to play against the Seahawks. The veteran tight end has no official game-status designation despite dealing with an ankle injury, meaning he is expected to be available for the matchup at Lumen Field.

He was listed as a limited participant in all three of the practices leading up to the game. The ankle issue developed during the Chiefs’ October 18 matchup against the Chargers, but he returned to that game and finished with four receptions for 53 yards.

His availability is particularly important with wide receiver Rashee Rice ruled out because of hamstring and knee injuries. He could become an even more important target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes as Kansas City looks to maintain its offensive production against Seattle.

Key takeaways

• Taylor Swift is not confirmed to attend the Chiefs’ game against Seattle on Sunday.
• Taylor Swift last supported Travis Kelce against the Los Angeles Chargers on October 18.
• Travis Kelce is expected to play without an official game-status designation despite an ankle injury.

The Seahawks fought back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime, giving themselves an opportunity to complete the comeback. However, Darnold threw an interception late in regulation before committing another turnover on Seattle’s first possession of overtime. Denver capitalized on the second mistake to set up the field goal that ended the game.

Darnold delivered a blunt assessment of his performance, making it clear he knows he must improve. “I just think it’s B.S. for me to keep turning the ball over. It’s not fair to our defense. It’s not fair to our special teams group. It’s not fair really to the entire team. So, I’ve got to be better. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. That one sucked. Can’t turn the ball over. That’s obviously at the forefront of my mind, but there’s just a lot that we can do better.”

Sam Darnold’s turnovers prove costly in Seahawks loss

Sam Darnold’s two interceptions came at critical moments, preventing Seattle from completing a comeback that had seemed possible late in the fourth quarter. His first interception halted a promising drive, while the second gave Denver the opportunity to win without needing to produce another first down in overtime.

The quarterback’s mistakes were particularly frustrating because Seattle’s defense had limited the Broncos after their early scoring drives. Denver’s offense struggled to generate much late in the game, but the turnovers gave the home team the opening it needed. Darnold finished the night with 278 passing yards and two interceptions, while also being sacked five times.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald also emphasized the importance of protecting the football, while acknowledging that the offense needs to improve its protection of Darnold.

The quarterback’s willingness to accept responsibility was clear, but Seattle will need a more consistent offensive performance to avoid similar results in upcoming games. The loss left the Seahawks at 3-3, adding further urgency to their efforts to address the team’s turnover problems.

Key takeaways

• Sam Darnold accepted responsibility for Seattle’s loss to Denver.
• Two interceptions proved costly in the overtime defeat.
• The Seahawks might be in trouble with a 3-3 record early in the season.

The first interception came in the final two minutes of regulation, when the Seahawks had an opportunity to take control of the game. Darnold’s pass was intercepted by Kris Abrams-Draine, ending a promising drive, although Seattle’s defense gave the offense another chance to tie the score and force overtime.

However, Darnold’s second interception proved decisive. On Seattle’s first possession of overtime, Ja’Quan McMillian picked off the quarterback’s pass, giving Denver favorable field position. The Broncos capitalized on the mistake with Wil Lutz’s 53-yard field goal, dropping Seattle to 3-3 after its second consecutive defeat.

Mike Macdonald sends clear message to Sam Darnold after loss vs Broncos

Mike Macdonald did not hide his frustration with Seattle’s inability to protect the football after the loss. The Seahawks had fought back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime, but the turnovers ultimately undermined their comeback effort.

The head coach wasn’t happy with Darnold’s decisions in crucial moments of the game. “We have to take care of the ball. Sam knows that. He told the team that. We’ve got to take care of the ball.”

The Seahawks coach also stressed that the quarterback cannot be held responsible for every offensive problem. Darnold faced consistent pressure throughout the game, and Macdonald acknowledged that the offensive line must do a better job protecting him while the offense makes quicker decisions with the football.

“Our quarterback got hit too much today. We’ve got to do a better job protecting him and we’ve got to be more decisive with the football. We don’t want to take those hits, but they rushed and covered well.”

The message from Macdonald was clear: Seattle must improve both its ball security and its pass protection if it wants to turn its season around. Darnold has taken responsibility for his mistakes, but the Seahawks’ offensive struggles extend beyond the interceptions.

With extra time to prepare before their next game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 25, Seattle will have an opportunity to address the issues that contributed to another narrow defeat.

Key takeaways

• Seattle lost 17-14 in overtime to the Denver Broncos after turning the ball over.
• Sam Darnold threw two fourth-quarter and overtime interceptions in the defeat.
• Coach Mike Macdonald demanded better ball security and protection for Sam Darnold.

The Seahawks announced the move on October 3 after the rookie aggravated the injury during practice. Price initially sustained the issue in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, and the setback was serious enough to place him on injured reserve, meaning he must miss at least four games before he can be considered for a return.

Price’s absence comes at a difficult time for Seattle, which is also waiting for Zach Charbonnet to return from the torn ACL he suffered during the playoffs last January. With both backs unavailable against Denver, the Seahawks will rely on Emanuel Wilson and George Holani to handle much of the workload while Velus Jones Jr. provides additional depth.

Why is Jadarian Price out for Seahawks vs Broncos?

Jadarian Price is unavailable because of the chest injury that landed him on injured reserve earlier this month. The rookie first experienced the problem against Arizona and then aggravated it during practice, prompting Seattle to sideline him and make a roster move to protect its running back depth.

The injury means Price cannot return for the Broncos game, and his placement on injured reserve requires him to miss at least four games. Seattle will continue monitoring his recovery, but the team has not announced an exact date for his return to action.

Price had recorded 119 rushing yards on 28 carries across his first three NFL games before the injury interrupted his rookie season. His absence has forced the Seahawks to lean on other options, with Wilson stepping into a larger role and Holani also expected to contribute as Seattle tries to maintain its ground game.

Who is Seahawks’ starting running back?

Emanuel Wilson is expected to lead Seattle’s backfield against Denver after stepping up in Price’s absence. Wilson delivered a strong performance in the Seahawks’ win over the Los Angeles Chargers, rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries while adding three receptions for 39 yards and another score.

George Holani is another option who could see meaningful opportunities, particularly as Seattle manages its limited depth at running back. The Seahawks also have Velus Jones Jr. available after signing him from their practice squad, giving the coaching staff another player who can help fill the void.

Seattle’s backfield situation could change once Charbonnet is ready to return, but he is not expected to play against Denver. Until Price is cleared to come off injured reserve, Wilson will remain a key part of the Seahawks’ plans as they look to generate offense against the Broncos.

Charbonnet suffered the injury during Seattle’s divisional-round playoff victory over the San Francisco 49ers in January 2026 and subsequently underwent surgery. The recovery has kept him out throughout the offseason and the first five games of the regular season, delaying his return despite progress in recent weeks.

His absence is particularly significant following the Seahawks’ offseason departure of Kenneth Walker III. Charbonnet recorded career highs of 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, and that’s why Seattle is eagerly waiting to get him back.

Why is Zach Charbonnet not playing in Seahawks vs Broncos?

Zach Charbonnet is unavailable because he has not yet completed his recovery from the ACL tear he suffered in the playoffs. Seattle placed him on the reserve physically unable to perform list before the regular season, keeping him out of the lineup until he is ready to return and the team activates him to the roster.

The Seahawks opened Charbonnet’s practice window on October 1, allowing him to resume football activities as he worked toward a comeback. However, he has continued to participate on a limited basis, and head coach Mike Macdonald indicated that the team would not rush him back for Thursday’s game against Denver.

Seattle officially ruled Charbonnet out for Week 6, meaning the running back will miss another opportunity to make his 2026 debut. The team will continue evaluating his progress while relying on other options in the backfield, including Emanuel Wilson and George Holani, as it manages the position during his absence.

When will Zach Charbonnet return?

Zach Charbonnet could return as soon as Week 7, but his availability will depend on how he progresses during the coming days. The Seahawks have until October 22 to activate him from the reserve/PUP list after opening his 21-day practice window. If they do not activate him by that deadline, he would be required to miss the remainder of the season.

The team has reason to remain patient after Charbonnet’s serious knee injury, particularly because he has yet to resume full participation in practice. Seattle wants him ready to contribute without putting unnecessary pressure on his recovery, so his return will depend on his readiness rather than simply the number of games he has missed.

If Charbonnet is not ready for Week 7, the Seahawks could still have another opportunity to bring him back later in the season, provided they activate him before the practice window closes. For now, his status remains uncertain, and Seattle will continue monitoring his progress as it looks to restore an important piece of its running game.

Surtain has been dealing with his ankle injury since Week 4 and has not participated in practice during the week leading up to the Seattle matchup. Hufanga, meanwhile, suffered his injury during Denver’s Week 5 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers and was also unable to practice as the Broncos prepared for Thursday’s game.

The absences represent a significant challenge for Denver’s defense against a Seattle offense led by quarterback Sam Darnold and star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. With both defensive backs unavailable, the Broncos will need other players in their secondary to step up as they try to contain the Seahawks’ passing attack.

When is Pat Surtain II coming back?

Pat Surtain II could return as soon as Week 7, when the Broncos are scheduled to face the Arizona Cardinals. The extra recovery time following Thursday night’s game could help the All-Pro cornerback, although Denver has not officially confirmed a return date.

The Broncos have reason to be cautious with one of their most important defensive players. Surtain’s ability to cover opposing receivers makes him a central part of Denver’s defensive strategy, and the team will want him healthy before putting him back on the field.

Until his return is confirmed, Denver will have to manage without Surtain and adjust its coverage assignments. His availability for the Cardinals game will depend on his recovery and the medical staff’s assessment of his ankle.

How many weeks will Talanoa Hufanga miss with Broncos?

Talanoa Hufanga is expected to miss multiple weeks because of his ankle injury, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Reports indicate that the safety could be sidelined for approximately three weeks, meaning his absence may extend beyond Thursday night’s matchup against Seattle.

The injury is particularly frustrating for Denver because Hufanga had made a significant impact during the first five games of the season. His production included 23 tackles, two interceptions, one interception returned for a touchdown, a sack and a forced fumble, making him a valuable contributor to the Broncos’ defense.

Denver will now need its remaining safeties to help fill the void while Hufanga recovers. If the projected timeline holds, the Broncos could be without him for upcoming games as well, with his eventual return depending on how his ankle responds to treatment and rehabilitation.

Key takeaways

• Pat Surtain II and Talanoa Hufanga are out against the Seahawks with ankle injuries.
• Surtain could return in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals.
• Talanoa Hufanga could miss approximately three weeks.