The Seattle Seahawks didn’t just beat the San Francisco 49ers-they steamrolled them. A 41-6 dismantling on the road punched Seattle’s ticket to the NFC Championship Game, and the tone was set early.
The Seahawks looked faster, tougher, and more prepared in every phase. But as dominant as the win was, it came with a couple of injury concerns that could loom large heading into next week.
Zach Charbonnet Leaves Early with Knee Injury
One of the few blemishes on the night came in the second quarter when running back Zach Charbonnet went down after being stopped short on a 3rd-and-2 run. It didn’t look like much at first-just a physical tackle-but Charbonnet was slow to get up and eventually walked off under his own power, favoring his left knee. He didn’t return.
After the game, head coach Mike Macdonald offered a cautiously optimistic update.
“Optimistic with Charbs,” Macdonald said. “We’ve got to get an image and stuff, but early indications are hopefully it’s okay structurally. But you never know with these things, but he wasn’t able to come back, obviously.”
That’s the kind of update that says, “We’re hoping for the best, but we’re bracing for anything.” Charbonnet has been a key part of Seattle’s two-headed rushing attack all year, complementing Kenneth Walker III with his physicality and vision between the tackles. His absence was felt, even in a blowout.
Kenneth Walker III Takes Over
With Charbonnet sidelined, Kenneth Walker III took over as the clear lead back-and he made the most of it. Walker scored three touchdowns on the night, including a second-half run where he followed a key block from rookie Amari Kight, who stepped in at left tackle.
Velus Jones Jr., elevated from the practice squad, got some late-game carries once the outcome was no longer in doubt. But make no mistake-this was Walker’s backfield once Charbonnet exited.
Charles Cross Exits with Foot Injury
Another notable injury came on the offensive line. Left tackle Charles Cross, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, didn’t play in the second half after suffering a foot injury. Macdonald said the decision to hold him out was mostly precautionary, given the score, but acknowledged there’s still some uncertainty.
“Charles was really out of a caution. We were in a position where we didn’t need him to come back, but still we’re going to have to work through it with his foot. I don’t have an indication of what that’s going to look like.”
Cross has already missed time this season, and with backup Josh Jones unavailable due to a knee injury, Seattle’s depth at tackle is being tested. That made Amari Kight’s performance even more important. The undrafted rookie held his own in a high-stakes game and played a key role in opening lanes for Walker’s big night.
Looking Ahead
Seattle’s offense looked as explosive and balanced as it has all season, and the defense delivered a statement performance against a 49ers team that rarely gets manhandled like this. But with a trip to the NFC title game on deck, the health of key contributors like Charbonnet and Cross will be something to monitor closely.
This team just delivered a signature win. Now the question is whether they’ll be at full strength when it matters most.