Kenneth Walker Is Gone: Here Are The 4 Running Backs Who Could Replace Him
Well, it happened. Kenneth Walker III bolted to Kansas City, and now the Seahawks have a legit hole at running back heading into the 2026 season. Mike Macdonald and the front office are weighing their options, and honestly, it's not as dire as it sounds. Let's break down who could be taking carries in the Emerald City this fall.
Zach Charbonnet: The Obvious Choice If Healthy
If Charbonnet didn't have a torn ACL, this conversation would be over. He'd walk straight into the starting job. Here's the thing that matters: last season, Charbonnet actually logged more snaps on offense than Walker did. That tells you everything you need to know about how much John Schneider and the staff trust him. When he returns from injury, there's a solid chance he takes back the starting role. The big question mark? Will he have the same explosiveness he had before the injury? That's the gamble.
George Holani: The Promising Backup With Limited Experience
The Seahawks clearly like Holani. When Charbonnet went down in the postseason, they trusted Holani with the backup role. Schneider has been singing his praises this offseason, but pump the brakes. Holani has only been given more than three carries in a game twice in his entire career. He had seven carries for 31 yards and a touchdown in that blowout over Arizona earlier in the year. Week 3 against New Orleans? Ten carries for 27 yards. Both games were blowouts. The problem: Holani hasn't really gotten snaps in tight games. So can he shoulder the load in a competitive season? That's the million dollar question.
Emanuel Wilson: The Free Agency Gamble
The Seahawks made their primary running back move by signing Emanuel Wilson away from Green Bay. For three seasons with the Packers, Wilson kept improving. In 2025, he rushed 125 times for 496 yards and three touchdowns. Unlike Holani, Wilson has actually gotten meaningful work. He started two games for Green Bay this season and had a breakout performance against Minnesota in Week 12. When Josh Jacobs got hurt, Wilson filled in and ran for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries. That's the tape. The question now: can he replicate that success here in Seattle?
With Walker gone, these three names (plus whoever else GM John Schneider might consider) will compete for that starting gig. Charbonnet's the long term play if his knee heals right. Wilson has the most proven pedigree. Holani's got upside but unproven in real tight spots. One way or another, the Hawks need to find someone who can produce come playoff time.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.