Seahawks expected to upgrade offense ahead of Week 7 vs Chiefs

The Seattle Seahawks could get a major offensive boost at the perfect time. After an inconsistent start to the NFL season, the Seahawks are expected to have running back Zach Charbonnet back in the lineup for Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, giving an offense that has struggled to establish consistency another important weapon. Zach Charbonnet has a good chance to make his season debut in Week 7, per HC Mike Macdonald. (via @gbellseattle) https://t.co/1gtDvdoDpy— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) October 19, 2026Seattle enters Week 7 at 3-3 after another frustrating loss, falling to the Denver Broncos in overtime. The Seahawks have now lost three games by three points or fewer, leaving plenty of reason to believe the team is close to turning things around.MORE:3 NFL teams that should be worried after Week 6Seahawks desperately need a consistent run gameDec 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The biggest issue for Seattle has been its inability to consistently establish the running game. Macdonald acknowledged after the Denver loss that the Seahawks are not creating the run game they want, while Sam Darnold is taking too many hits.That is where Charbonnet could make a significant difference.The running back has been working his way back from the torn ACL he suffered during Seattle’s playoff win over San Francisco last season. The Seahawks designated him to return to practice on Oct. 1, opening his 21-day window to get back on the field.Charbonnet ultimately did not make his return during Week 6 because the short turnaround for Thursday Night Football against Denver did not provide enough time to properly ramp him up. Macdonald said at the time that the plan was not for him to play, but that could change with a full week of preparation before facing Kansas City.MORE:NFL contenders & pretenders after Week 6Charbonnet could change Seattle’s offenseAug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26) before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The possibility of Charbonnet making his season debut is significant because Seattle has been searching for stability in the backfield. The Seahawks have also been without rookie running back Jadarian Price, who is on injured reserve, leaving the team without two of its top options.Charbonnet has already demonstrated that he can be a major part of Seattle’s offense. He recorded 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season before the ACL injury ended his campaign in the playoffs.His return would not automatically solve every problem, but it could take pressure off Darnold and give Seattle a more reliable way to attack defenses without repeatedly putting the quarterback in obvious passing situations.That could be especially important against the Chiefs.Seattle has nearly two weeks between its Week 6 loss and its Week 7 matchup with Kansas City, giving Charbonnet additional time to prepare. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler previously reported that the running back had a legitimate chance to make his season debut against the Chiefs.If Charbonnet is cleared to play, Seattle could enter Week 7 with the offensive upgrade it has desperately needed.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —