Seattle advanced past San Francisco in the NFC Divisional Round, but the game also produced a development that became clearer after the final whistle. Head coach Mike Macdonald addressed Zach Charbonnet’s injury following the win, confirming details about the roster issue that emerged during the contest and will affect the Seahawks as they move deeper into the postseason.
Seahawks Lose Zach Charbonnet After Divisional Round Injury
Charbonnet suffered a significant knee injury late in the first half while carrying the ball to the left side. He remained on the field briefly as trainers evaluated him before heading to the medical tent. The Seahawks running back later exited to the locker room and did not return, with Seattle ruling him out for the remainder of the game.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Macdonald’s comments from an appearance on Seattle Sports, where the head coach confirmed the injury will require surgery and end Charbonnet’s season. Macdonald described it as “a significant knee injury” and acknowledged the emotional impact of the news, calling it difficult for everyone involved.
It was later confirmed that Charbonnet tore his ACL and will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet suffered a season-ending knee injury that will require surgery, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said on Seattle Sports. Macdonald called it “a significant knee injury, unfortunately. Breaks your heart. He’s going to need surgery, so he’s got a good… pic.twitter.com/ZDZXXEK6q0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026
The injury ends a productive season for Charbonnet, who led Seattle with 12 rushing touchdowns and finished with 730 rushing yards. According to PFSN’s RB Impact Metric, he was ranked as the 36th-best running back in the league and had an impact score of 54.8.
His physical running style and consistency in short-yardage situations made him a central part of Seattle’s offensive approach throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.
MORE: Seahawks RB Depth Chart: Who Will Step Up for Seattle With Zach Charbonnet’s Season Over?
Charbonnet entered the Divisional Round matchup having scored a touchdown in each of his previous three games and remained involved early against San Francisco. He recorded five carries for 20 yards before exiting.
He had 54 red zone touches this season, nine more than he had in the first two seasons of his career. Fellow running back Ken Walker now has big shoes to fill against the league’s sixth-best red zone defense this season when Seattle hosts the Rams in the NFC Championship on Sunday.
Walker, who stepped into an expanded role against a physical 49ers defense, produced several explosive plays as both a rusher and receiver, finishing the game with 144 total yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. His ability to generate chunk gains helped stabilize the offense after Charbonnet’s exit.
Additional injury concerns surfaced on offense during the contest. Left tackle Charles Cross also left the game and did not return. Cross recently came back from a hamstring injury and was held out as a precaution once the outcome became clearer, though his availability moving forward remains under evaluation.
Charbonnet’s injury removes a reliable contributor from Seattle’s backfield at a critical point in the postseason. His absence places added responsibility on Walker and the remaining running backs as the Seahawks prepare for Championship Sunday.
