Macdonald: Seahawks RB Charbonnet nearing return to practice

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is nearing a return to practice as he works back from February knee surgery, head coach Mike Macdonald said Friday.

Okada out, 2 questionable for Seahawks vs Cardinals

Charbonnet began training camp on the physically unable to perform list and remained there after 53-man roster cutdowns, which means he’s required to miss at least the first four games of the season.

However, Charbonnet is eligible to return to practice as early as next week, thanks to an NFL rule change that allows players who open the season on the PUP list to begin practicing in Week 3.

“Zach’s doing great,” Macdonald said. “We’re getting down to him possibly finding a date where he could start practicing again, so that’s coming soon. When that exact date is, we haven’t finalized that, but that’s coming soon.”

Charbonnet tore his ACL in Seattle’s Jan. 17 divisional round playoff win over the San Francisco 49ers and underwent surgery on Feb. 20.

Charbonnet rushed for 730 yards, 4.0 yards per carry and a team-high 12 touchdowns last season while splitting carries with eventual Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who departed in free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Following Charbonnet’s injury and Walker’s departure, the Seahawks spent their first-round draft pick in April on Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price. Price rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries in Seattle’s Week 1 win over the New England Patriots. George Holani added 29 yards on eight carries, while Emanuel Wilson chipped in 3 yards on two carries.

Seattle Seahawks news and more

• Stacy Rost: 3 numbers that matter for Seahawks vs Cardinals
• A look at the past 5 backup QBs to start for the Seattle Seahawks
• Salk: How Sam Darnold’s absence will impact his Seahawks future

Related

Seahawks rookie Jadarian Price aims to build off strong debutAaron Donald expects to play for Rams on Monday against GiantsOkada out, 2 questionable for Seahawks vs CardinalsNFL defenses are lagging behind offenses earlyA look at the past 5 backup QBs to start for the SeahawksStacy Rost: 3 numbers that matter for Seahawks vs Cardinals