Seahawks activate key special teamer Irv Charles off IR

UPDATE (3:50 p.m.): This story has been updated with news that running back Velus Jones Jr. was re-signed to the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad. 

The Seattle Seahawks activated wide receiver Irv Charles off injured reserve Tuesday, setting the key special-teams player up for a potential debut for the team on Thursday against the Denver Broncos.

Running back and kick returner Velus Jones Jr. was released to clear room on the 53-man roster, but he re-signed to the team’s practice squad later in the day.

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Charles, 29, was designated to return to practice last Wednesday after beginning the season on the physically unable to perform list with an undisclosed injury.

The Seahawks acquired Charles from the Jets in a May trade that sent a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2028 draft to New York.

Charles is expected to be a major contributor on special teams for Seattle. Over 25 total games between the 2023 and ’24 seasons with the Jets, he logged 450 snaps, 14 tackles and a blocked punt on special teams.

Seattle hasn’t allowed any punt return yards this season, as opponents have attempted to return just three of 20 punts. But it has taken a step back in its kickoff coverage. After being tied for fourth best in the league allowing 24 yards per kickoff return last year, the Seahawks are allowing 29 yards per return in 2026, the fourth-highest number in the NFL.

The 6-foot-4 Charles has played just 53 career offensive snaps and has zero catches on two targets.

He suffered a torn ACL in December 2024 that forced him to miss the final four games of the season and of 2025.

Jones, 29, has played in seven games over the past two seasons with the Seahawks, with the majority of his playing time coming on special teams.

In four games this season, he had two kickoff returns for 40 yards and two tackles on special teams. He also played two offensive snaps but didn’t log any stats.

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