Full Breakdown
Seahawks Activate Charbonnet, Chiefs Place Simmons on IR Ahead of Prime-Time Clash
By Drooid · · How we work
Roster Moves Before Sunday Night Football
Seattle activated running back Zach Charbonnet from the PUP list, adding him to the 53-man roster on Thursday. Kansas City placed starting left tackle Josh Simmons on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least four games. Both moves stem from injuries that have kept the players out and affect each team’s offensive strategy for the upcoming game.
Background & Context
Charbonnet tore his ACL during Seattle’s NFC divisional-round win in January and missed the entire 2025 season. He returned to practice on October 1, triggering a 21-day window that required activation by Thursday, October 22, or a season-long loss. In 2025 he logged 184 carries for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns, mainly in short-yardage situations.
Simmons, the Chiefs’ 2025 first-round pick at left tackle, has been battling a bulging disc in his lumbar spine since an August 17 training-camp practice. After limited practice participation in early October, the team placed him on IR, making him ineligible until at least Week 11.
Data & Statistics
- Zach Charbonnet (2025): 184 carries, 730 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns.
- Seattle’s 2024 rushing leader Kenneth Walker III now plays for Kansas City; the Seahawks have relied on Emanuel Wilson (303 yards, 2 TDs) and George Holani.
- Josh Simmons has missed 14 of a possible 22 games in his career.
- Undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson has started at left tackle in Kansas City’s first five games, allowing 12 pressures (PFF).
Official Statements & Responses
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald praised Charbonnet’s recovery, noting the player “looks tremendous” and calling the activation a “real possibility” for Sunday.
Performance director Rick Burkholder said Simmons’ rehab has plateaued and that the team will continue the program with the goal of returning him to his prior level.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Zach is going to have a full week's worth of reps, so that's exciting, and there's a possibility that you could see him on Sunday in some capacity, so that's exciting,” — Mike Macdonald
- “We feel that he’s plateaued in the rehab process, as he’s trying to get to the final steps of recovery with return to competition,” — Rick Burkholder
- “He’ll continue with the rehab process with the goal of returning to play at a high level that he achieved in the past,” — Rick Burkholder
Impact on Teams
Charbonnet’s activation restores a short-yardage weapon and creates a matchup against former Seahawk MVP Kenneth Walker III, now with Kansas City. The addition could ease pressure on Seattle’s offensive line and diversify the rushing attack.
Kansas City’s left side now relies on rookie Kahlil Benson, whose performance will be closely watched as the Chiefs protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Simmons’ loss removes a key blind-side protector, potentially affecting pass-blocking schemes against Seattle’s defensive front.
What’s Next
- Seattle must decide by Thursday, October 22, whether to keep Charbonnet on the active roster; if activated, he could see limited snaps on Sunday, October 25, against Kansas City.
- Simmons will remain on IR for at least four games, with the earliest possible return in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals.
- Both teams will continue to monitor the health of their players as the season progresses, with offensive-line depth and backfield balance remaining focal points.
