Zach Charbonnet is back. The Seahawks running back returns to action Monday night against the Chicago Bears, his first game since tearing his ACL in Seattle’s January 17 playoff win over San Francisco, less than nine months after undergoing surgery on his left knee in February.
Charbonnet was activated from the physically unable to perform list on October 22. This week he was a full practice participant on Thursday, limited on Friday, and back to full on Saturday. Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed the return, praising the work ethic behind a comeback on this timetable.
“To come back on the timetable that he has and to be in the position that he is, and the work ethic that he’s shown and being able to work through what it takes to get back from an injury like that at this point in time is remarkable,” Macdonald said. “Zach’s a guy that kind of works in the shadows. He’s already had our respect, but hopefully people understand what kind of stud this guy is to come back on this timetable and be ready to go.”
How fast is this comeback?
Nine months from a torn ACL to Monday Night Football. Charbonnet tore the ligament during Seattle’s 41 to 6 NFC divisional round playoff victory over San Francisco on January 17, had surgery in February, and spent the offseason and the first weeks of the season on the physically unable to perform list. His October 22 activation set up a return that was planned for the Chiefs game on October 25, then held as part of the plan. Monday night is the actual return.
What does Seattle get back in the run game?
Charbonnet rushed for career bests of 730 yards and 12 touchdowns last year during his third NFL campaign. He also caught 20 passes for 144 yards. Overall, he has rushed for 1,761 yards and 21 touchdowns and caught 95 passes for 693 yards and one score in 49 career NFL games, with eight starts.
The timing matters beyond one player. The 4-3 Seahawks are coming off a 20 to 3 win over Kansas City, and Monday night also marks the Seattle debut of newly acquired All Pro guard Quenton Nelson, traded from Indianapolis. Two upgrades to the same run game, on the same night, in a game with real NFC playoff weight. More on the Nelson move: Nelson and Simmons Meet Monday Night as Bears Visit Seahawks: https://brianholler.com/2026/10/30/nelson-simmons-monday-night-bears-seahawks/
Who else is in or out Monday night?
Seattle also declared rookie running back Jadarian Price ready to play but has not yet activated him off injured reserve. Price had 119 yards in three games before going on injured reserve, and he was a full practice participant on Friday and Saturday.
Seattle ruled out receiver and kick returner Rashid Shaheed with a knee injury, left tackle Charles Cross with an ankle injury, and running back Velus Jones Jr. with a hamstring injury. Outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is doubtful with an ankle injury, while quarterback Drew Lock, nose tackle Brandon Pili, and linebacker Patrick O’Connell are questionable.
For Chicago, running back Kyle Monangai will sit out with thumb and toe injuries. Cornerback Malik Muhammad and linebacker D’Marco Jackson are questionable. Linebacker T.J. Edwards was a full participant all week and will return from a two game absence.
Kickoff is Monday, November 2 at 5:15 PM PT on ESPN at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Frequently asked questions
When did Charbonnet tear his ACL?
Charbonnet tore his ACL during Seattle’s 41 to 6 NFC divisional round playoff victory over San Francisco on January 17. He had surgery on his left knee in February and was activated from the physically unable to perform list on October 22.
When do the Seahawks play the Bears?
Seattle hosts Chicago on Monday, November 2 at 5:15 PM PT on ESPN at Lumen Field. It is Charbonnet’s first action since January and the Seattle debut of newly traded guard Quenton Nelson.
Source: Field Level Media, Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet (knee) set to play vs. Bears: https://mymixfm.com/2026/10/31/seahawks-rb-zach-charbonnet-knee-set-to-play-vs-bears/