Seattle Seahawks Have a Backfield Problem, But It Could Vanish Quickly

Zach Charbonnet’s knee recovery leaves Seattle’s running back depth unsettled ... but that situation could change soon.

by Ryan R. Bonini

Sep 9, 2026

Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) during warmups before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field.

Steven Bisig - Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks enter their 2026 NFL season opener with a running-back room that, for now, carries more questions than the championship group it replaces. Former back Kenneth Walker III departed in free agency to join the Kansas City Chiefs, while running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) remains unavailable as he recovers from the ACL injury he sustained in the divisional round.

Locked On Seahawks podcast host Dan Viens ranked running back as the one offensive position group he views as worse than it was at the end of last season, but he stressed that assessment is driven by uncertainty rather than a lack of talent. Charbonnet’s return timetable, the durability of the backs behind him and the learning curve for a rookie will shape how quickly Seattle can regain its previous depth.

Seattle running backs Emanuel Wilson, George Holani and rookie Jadarian Price are the immediate options. Viens said Wilson was banged up for much of training camp but appears on track for Week 1, while Holani is expected to handle third-down duties after previous availability issues. Price missed preseason game action after being banged up for roughly a week and a half, leaving fewer live-game clues about how prepared he is for an early role.

Viens remains high on Price’s long-term upside, but he noted that Seattle’s run-heavy approach could put added pressure on the rookie if opponents load the box early in the season. The Seahawks do not need Price to replace Walker by himself; they need enough production and pass protection from the available backs to keep the offense on schedule until Charbonnet is ready.

The evaluation could change quickly. Viens said the group could look at least even with last season’s tandem within weeks, particularly once Charbonnet returns. Until then, Wilson’s health, Holani’s reliability and Price’s adaptation will determine whether Seattle’s only notable offensive roster concern becomes a short-term issue or follows it into the season.