The Seattle Seahawks have always had a clear top running back when their star player, Kenneth Walker III, is healthy. A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Walker is coming off a 1,000-yard season, and when fit, he has been the backbone of the Seahawks’ rushing attack. However, Walker’s health has been a concern this season, as injuries have plagued him throughout 2024. After being placed on injured reserve, his season has come to an end with him missing multiple games and failing to reach his previous form. Walker’s best performance came in Week 1, where he rushed for over 100 yards, but he only reached 80 yards in two other games.
While the Seahawks’ rushing game as a whole hasn’t been spectacular, there have been notable performances from second-year running back Zach Charbonnet. The former UCLA standout has had a strong stretch, including a standout 134-yard performance in a win over Arizona on December 8, which was the best showing by any Seahawks running back this season. This prompted Michael Bumpus, co-host of Seattle Sports’ “Bump and Stacy,” to ask FOX NFL reporter Eric Williams whether Charbonnet could be the new “Batman” in the Seahawks’ backfield, replacing Walker as the top option.
Williams suggested that Charbonnet might indeed be the primary back, noting his impressive performances while Walker has been sidelined. He pointed out that Charbonnet’s size and more physical running style could be a better fit for the Seahawks’ offense, which relies on a balanced attack. At 6-foot-1 and 214 pounds, Charbonnet offers a stark contrast to Walker’s smaller, shiftier frame. Williams also emphasized the importance of consistency in the running game, and since Walker has been injury-prone, Charbonnet’s availability and production could make him the more reliable option moving forward.
Bumpus echoed Williams’ thoughts, suggesting that Charbonnet might have one final chance to prove he’s the team’s number one back in the season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. He reviewed Charbonnet’s performances in games where he had at least 12 carries, noting that the young back has averaged 4.6 yards per carry in such games. If Charbonnet can continue his strong play and prove himself in the final game of the season, he may very well solidify his role as the Seahawks’ go-to running back moving forward.
