​CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 28: Zach Charbonnet #26 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) GettyThe Seattle Seahawks have made a consequential decision on running back Zach Charbonnet less than two weeks before their season opener.Seattle moved Charbonnet to the reserve/physically unable to perform list as part of its final roster moves on Sunday, August 30, meaning the fourth-year running back must miss at least the first four games of the 2026 regular season while continuing his recovery from a torn ACL.That makes the latest Zach Charbonnet injury news significantly different from his initial PUP designation at the start of training camp. Charbonnet could have been activated at any point while on active/PUP during camp. By carrying him onto reserve/PUP at the roster deadline, the Seahawks have now locked in an early-season absence.It also puts Seattle’s rebuilt backfield firmly in the hands of first-round rookie Jadarian Price, George Holani and free-agent addition Emanuel Wilson for the opening stretch of the season. Those are the three running backs on Seattle’s initial 53-man roster.Zach Charbonnet Must Miss Seahawks’ First 4 GamesCharbonnet will be unavailable against the New England Patriots on September 9, at the Arizona Cardinals on September 20, at the Washington Commanders on September 27 and against the Los Angeles Chargers on October 4.The earliest game in which Charbonnet could potentially return is Seattle’s Week 5 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on October 11, though being eligible to return and actually being medically ready are two different things. The Seahawks have not announced that Week 5 is a target date.That distinction matters given the severity and timing of Charbonnet’s injury.Charbonnet tore the ACL in his left knee during Seattle’s January 17 divisional-round victory over San Francisco and underwent surgery on February 20.Head coach Mike Macdonald had left open the possibility of an aggressive recovery earlier in the offseason. Asked in June about Charbonnet potentially returning for Week 1, Macdonald said, “Everything’s possible,” while praising the running back’s work in rehabilitation.The Seahawks’ latest transaction removes that possibility.Charbonnet is now guaranteed more recovery time after a 2025 regular season in which he produced career highs across the board. According to the Seahawks, he rushed 184 times for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming Seattle’s first player since Marshawn Lynch in 2014 to record double-digit rushing touchdowns in a season.Seahawks’ 53-Man Roster Depth Chart Takes Shape Without CharbonnetCharbonnet’s absence carries additional weight because Seattle already lost its other established lead back during the offseason.Kenneth Walker III departed in free agency for the Kan