Seahawks RB Activated, Key Receiver Still Out For Chiefs

There are several fascinating subplots to the Kansas City Chiefs’ upcoming game on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, and one of the biggest ones is running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet squaring off against each other with the news that Charbonnet has been activated, according to a report from Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.

Charbonnet has been recovering from an ACL tear that he suffered nine months ago, per Smith, andhe was activated from the PUP list on Thursday, which makes him eligible to return against the Chiefs on Sunday. 

It’s a noteworthy development in a game thats full of storylines. Walker and Charbonnet formed a devastating running back tandem last year before Charbonnet got hurt, and Walker stepped up and carried the load in the postseason. He wound up being the Super Bowl MVP for the Seahawks, then signed a lucrative deal with the Chiefs in free agency. He's now playing like the league MVP.

Charbonnet’s stat line included 184 carries for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns, with Walker getting five TDs during the regular season. Charbonnet was often effective in short-yardage and goal line situations, while Walker has struggled with those so far in Kansas City. 

It’s a big game, with the Seahawks struggling at 3-3 with the 5-0 Chiefs looking to stay undefeated atop the AFC West. Seattle moved tight end Elijah Arroyo the injured reserve list to make room for Charbonnet on the 53-man roster. 

The Chiefs also had several other developments on their injury report on Thursday. Receiver Rashee Rice remains out with a hamstring injury, which means Kansas City will once again be shorthanded with Tyquan Thornton having been added to the IR list after sustaining a serious ankle injury. 

Rice hasn’t played since Oct. 4, and the chances of him getting an extension continue to diminish with each passing game he misses. Receiver Xavier Worthy stepped up in his stead with seven catches for 73 yards, and several other Chiefs receivers who normally don’t do much contributed as well. 

Tight end Travis Kelce was also limited in practice, and the rest of the injured list remains stable, with right tackle Jaylon Moore missing practicie due to concussion symptoms. 

Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (knee) and linebacker Cooper McDonald (knee) were also limited. Defensive back Chamarri Conner (knee), guard Trey Smith (hip), receiver Cyrus Allen, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) were all full participants as preparation for the marquee game continues.