Seahawks without running back for Thursday Night Football in Week 6

The Seattle Seahawks will officially be without running back Zach Charbonnet once again in NFL Week 6, creating another challenge for an offense heading into a difficult Thursday Night Football matchup against the Denver Broncos. Charbonnet had recently opened his practice window as he works his way back from a torn ACL, but Seattle has decided not to activate him for Thursday’s game.Zach Charbonnet (knee) ruled out for Week 6.— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) October 14, 2026With rookie running back Jadarian Price on injured reserve, the Seahawks could certainly use Charbonnet back sooner rather than later. Instead, Seattle will have to wait at least one more week before potentially getting one of its most important running backs back on the field.MORE:Bold predictions for Week 6 of 2026 NFL seasonSeahawks continue to deal with running back issuesDec 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)Charbonnet’s absence is particularly significant because Seattle’s backfield has already been depleted. Price is on injured reserve, leaving Emanuel Wilson and George Holani among the primary options available to Seattle.The situation was magnified during Seattle’s Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. With only 18 seconds remaining in the first half and the Seahawks backed up near their own goal line, Seattle handed the ball to Holani rather than simply running out the clock. Holani fumbled, and San Francisco recovered in the end zone for a touchdown, giving the 49ers seven points in a game they ultimately won 32-29.It was one of several costly turnovers for Seattle, but the Holani fumble stood out because of the circumstances. Seahawks face another difficult test in DenverAug 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 Seahawks played San Francisco on Sunday and will travel to Denver for Thursday night’s game, giving the team just a few days to recover and prepare.That makes Charbonnet’s absence even more notable. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald had already said the short turnaround made Charbonnet’s return difficult, and Seattle ultimately decided he wasn’t ready for his season debut.Seattle will therefore have to rely on its current collection of running backs against a Denver defense that presents a much tougher challenge than the Seahawks would prefer while operating with a depleted backfield. After a turnover-filled loss to San Francisco, another mistake-prone road performance could make it extremely difficult for Seattle to leave Denver with a win.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —