A second-year running back out of Boise State is expected to get some carries Sunday for the Seattle Seahawks as the team has injuries at the position.
After not practicing all week, Zach Charbonnet is listed as doubtful heading into Sunday after missing all practices this week due to a foot injury. Over the first two games of the season, he shared backfield duties with Kenneth Walker III.
Walker, who rushed for 105 yards on 13 carries in Week 2, is expected to get more carries in Week 3 when the Seahawks host the New Orleans Saints (0-2). Charbonnet received more carries (15) than Walker last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1).
Charbonnet has also played significantly more snaps than Walker throughout the first weeks because the Seahawks are still managing a foot injury that Walker has had for the last month and half. Charbonnet was injured during the game last week.
Macdonald Says George Holani Has ‘Done a Tremendous Job’
With Charbonnet likely out, head coach Mike MacDonald says backup George Holani is ready to step into the role.
“If Zach doesn’t play, George is the next back,” MacDonald said Friday. “Every time we’ve given George an opportunity he’s done a tremendous job. We expect the same thing.”
Holani steps in as the third running back with Kenny McIntosh sidelined for the season on injured reserve.
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 7: George Holani #36 of the Seattle Seahawks carries the ball during the first quarter of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lumen Field on August 7, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
Holani Recovered Historic Kickoff Touchdown Last Week
All 33 of Holani’s snaps this season have come on special teams. In last weekend’s game at Pittsburgh, his heads-up sprint to recover Jason Myers’ kickoff near the goal line set up a fourth-quarter touchdown. That hustle extended Seattle’s lead from three points to two scores in the final period.
The Seahawks noted that further review showed it was just the third time since the 1970 NFL merger that a team scored a touchdown on a kickoff recovery in the end zone, with the only other instances occurring in 1984 and 2017.
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Holani explained that the Seahawks are coached to treat every ball as live until the whistle blows.
Still, special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh noted that there’s only so much a coach can dictate.
“You just hope that the players in the moment, in the heat of it, have the clarity to do the right thing,’’ he said, according to The Seattle Times.
Similar praise was heaped on Holani from other coaches as well.
“I’ve just been so impressed with George,” offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said following practice Thursday. “Every time he gets an opportunity he makes the most of it.
“All he does is work. He doesn’t talk a whole lot. He’s just about getting better, about improving.”
Seahawks Have a Few Notable Injuries
The Seahawks also have other notable injuries. Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon (knee), rookie safety Nick Emmanwori (ankle), and Pro Bowl safety Julian Love (hamstring) all missed practice for the second straight day.
Wednesday before practice, Macdonald said, “The sky isn’t falling.”
“But, yeah, we got a couple guys working through some things,” Macdonald added, “but nothing crazy.”
Seahawks RB George Holani Ready to Step Up, Mike Macdonald Says