The Seattle Seahawks hope to improve to 3- when they face the Arizona Cardinals Thursday Night Football. A key factor for Seattle’s success is the availability of running back Zach Charbonnet, who missed the Week 3 demolition of the New Orleans Saints while tending to a foot issue.
Zach Charbonnet Expected to Play
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NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Charbonnet is expected to play against the Cardinals. The third-year back participated fully in Tuesday’s walkthrough and Wednesday’s practice, earning a questionable designation heading into the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Charbonnet’s status in his pregame press conference, calling him questionable along with teammates Boye Mafe and Anthony Bradford. Rookie safety Nick Emmanwori is doubtful, while offensive lineman Josh Jones has been ruled out.
“If he’s out there, he’ll resume his timeshare with Kenneth Walker,” Rapoport noted, highlighting Charbonnet’s role in Seattle’s backfield. Having him cleared is a significant boost for the Seahawks, who rely on their stars to maintain momentum after consecutive wins in Weeks 2 and 3 following an opening-week loss to the 49ers.
Fantasy Football Implications
For fantasy foobtall managers, Charbonnet presents a complicated picture. While he will suit up, his late-week clearance suggests he may not be at full strength. Historically, he shares touches with Kenneth Walker III, who scored two touchdowns in Charbonnet’s absence last week. The Cardinals rank among the NFL’s stingiest defenses against the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry and only one rushing touchdown through three games.
Week 2 highlighted Charbonnet’s struggles even when healthy: he rushed 15 times for only 10 yards, marking one of the lowest totals for any 15+ carry game in recent memory. His longest run that day was six yards, meaning the remaining 14 attempts yielded just four yards. While these numbers raise questions for fantasy purposes, there’s optimism that Charbonnet can rebound once fully healthy.
Seahawks’ Outlook
Seattle’s defense has been one of the league’s best through three weeks, providing quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense a platform to succeed. A win over Arizona is critical; a loss would drop the Seahawks to 0-2 in divisional play. With Charbonnet back in the lineup and key defensive pieces healthy, Seattle looks poised to extend its winning streak and maintain momentum in the NFC West.
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