The Seattle Seahawks’ backfield took a major hit at the worst possible time.
Zach Charbonnet, the physical, downhill complement to Kenneth Walker III, tore his ACL in the Divisional Round win over the 49ers. It’s a crushing blow for a team that had finally found rhythm in the run game-and now has to recalibrate on the fly with a trip to the NFC Championship on deck.
Charbonnet had been a touchdown machine, leading the team with 12 scores and helping form one of the most effective 1-2 backfield punches in the league. But with him sidelined, the Seahawks will lean even harder on Walker, who is coming off a monster performance-116 yards and three touchdowns against a tough San Francisco front.
The good news for Seattle? They’ve got options.
Not perfect ones, not proven ones-but options nonetheless. Let’s break down the running back depth chart as the Seahawks prepare for the Rams.
Kenneth Walker III: The Workhorse Ascends
Let’s start with the obvious. With Charbonnet out, this becomes Walker’s backfield.
And frankly, he’s earned it. The explosive second-year back has been running with purpose and vision, and his burst through the hole against the 49ers was a reminder of just how dangerous he can be when healthy.
Seattle’s offensive line has quietly improved in recent weeks, and Walker has taken full advantage. Expect him to carry the load, both as a runner and a pass-catcher, as the Seahawks look to control tempo and keep the Rams’ pass rush honest.
But even Walker can’t take every snap. So who steps in behind him?
Cam Akers: Familiar Name, Uncertain Role
Akers has been with the Seahawks since late November, but you’d be forgiven for not noticing. He’s logged just one offensive snap, hasn’t had a single carry, and has mostly been relegated to special teams duties.
Still, there’s a path for him to contribute. Akers is on the practice squad, but playoff rules allow teams to elevate those players as many times as needed. No need for a full roster spot-just a game-day call-up.
Physically, Akers isn’t quite the same player who flashed early in his career with the Rams. Multiple Achilles injuries have taken a toll.
But he’s only 26, has recent experience in this blocking scheme, and rushed for over 400 yards last season with the Texans and Vikings. If Seattle wants a back who can handle inside zone and take some between-the-tackles work, Akers might be the most plug-and-play option available.
Velus Jones Jr.: Speed, But at a Cost
Jones is a bit of a wild card. Originally a receiver, he’s been used as a gadget player and return man during his brief time in Seattle. He’s seen just 10 carries-mostly in garbage time-but his straight-line speed is undeniable.
The issue? Ball security.
Jones has four fumbles on just over 100 career touches, which is a red flag for a Seahawks team that already struggles with turnovers. And because he’s not a natural running back, pass protection is a major concern.
If he’s on the field, defenses will know it’s likely a gadget play or outside run.
Still, if Seattle is looking to add some misdirection or jet sweep action to keep the Rams guessing, Jones could see a few snaps. Just don’t expect him to be a traditional backup.
George Holani: The Intriguing (and Familiar) Option
If there’s a name to circle heading into the weekend, it might be George Holani.
The rookie earned the RB3 job out of preseason and even found the end zone in Week 10 against Arizona. He’s been on injured reserve since tweaking his hamstring in Week 12, but head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed this week that Holani could be activated ahead of the NFC Championship.
Holani doesn’t have eye-popping stats-73 yards on 22 carries-but he runs with a similar style to Charbonnet: low pad level, good vision, and a willingness to finish runs. He’s also the most reliable pass protector of the available options, which matters a lot in a playoff game where blitz pickups can make or break a drive.
If he’s healthy, Holani could step right back into that RB2 role and give Seattle a steady hand behind Walker.
Rashid Shaheed: A WR in RB’s Clothing
Shaheed isn’t a running back, but he’s the kind of player who can be used creatively to supplement the ground game. Since arriving at the trade deadline, he’s logged nine rushing attempts and 15 receptions-mostly on jet sweeps, tosses, and end-arounds.
He’s not someone you hand the ball to on 3rd-and-2, but with Charbonnet out, don’t be surprised if offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb dials up a few more designed runs for Shaheed to stretch the Rams horizontally and keep the defense honest.
What Comes Next?
Seattle won’t be signing a street free agent this late in the postseason. The reinforcements will come from within.
If Holani is healthy, he’s the most complete option to back up Walker. But if he’s not quite ready, Akers likely gets the nod-potentially in a revenge-game scenario against his former team. Jones and Shaheed could be sprinkled in situationally, but neither is built for a steady diet of carries.
The Seahawks’ run game has become a real weapon down the stretch. Losing Charbonnet hurts, no doubt. But with Walker heating up and a few chess pieces to move around behind him, Seattle still has enough in the backfield to challenge the Rams and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl.
Now it’s just a matter of who steps up-and how soon.