Coming off back-to-back losses against the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, the Seattle Seahawks desperately need a win but it won’t get any easier in Week 7 as they are set to remain without a starting running back and possibly a star second-year safety—against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
Seahawks injury waiver
RB Zach Charbonnet (knee)
By Demarcus Lawrence (knee)
QB Drew Lock (right elbow)
LB Connor O’Toole (hamstring)
While the continued absence of linebackers Drake Thomas and Chazz Surratt certainly affects Seattle’s defense, Charbonnet’s absence from the field is especially troubling. The fourth-year ball carrier was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Thursday and practiced at full capacity all week, which seems to bode well for his return.
Although he won’t fit in, head coach Mike Macdonald said he hasn’t struggled.
With Charbonnet sidelined, Emanuel Wilson and George Holani looked poised to continue splitting carries and while both showed flashes of potential—neither made a consistent impact and both struggled with ball security. As a result, Seattle’s backfield lacked the explosiveness that left free agency in the offseason as the team prepares to face Kenneth Walker III, who leads the league with 665 rushing yards and six touchdowns despite the Chiefs enjoying their bye week.
Without their starting running back, Seattle ranks 18th in rushing yards per game and leads the league in fumbles, with six.
After missing practice for the second straight week, Thomas’ absence shouldn’t be a surprise and Tyrice Knight—who played well in the team’s Week 6 loss—is in line to fill in again. With fellow linebackers Uchenna Nwosu and Connor O’Toole’s status also in doubt, the Seahawks may be forced to turn to the practice squad again with Jimmy Ciarlo, Aidan Hubbard and recently signed Josh Ross.
Following injuries to their secondary over the first four weeks, Seattle appears to finally be in the clear but Nick Emmanwori’s status is certainly alarming and the team may even be asked to activate a safety from the practice squad tomorrow.
Macdonald said the second-year safety experienced an issue with his hip during Friday’s practice, but would not describe it as an “injury,” and Saturday’s elevations will likely give an indication of whether or not he will play.
As for defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, the veteran was granted a rest day on Wednesday, but remained on the practice report with a knee issue that forced him to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday and today. Macdonald did not give an update on which side of the questionable he was trending.
The same goes for quarterback Drew Lock, who has been practicing in a limited capacity for the past two weeks as he deals with a lingering injury to his throwing elbow. While concerning, especially considering Sam Darnold’s recent turnovers, it’s worth noting that he was active for last week’s game against the Broncos.
As for Kansas City, wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring), offensive tackle Jaylon Moore (concussion) and running back Brashard Smith (hamstring) were ruled out, leaving Xavier Worthy as Kansas City’s clear cut number one wide receiver against one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (hamstring) and linebacker Cooper McDonald (knee) are listed as questionable.
Both teams will release their official inactives at 3:50 pm PT on Sunday.