The Seahawks have been plowing through the preseason, ramping up a running game that they plan to make the focal point of their offense in 2025. And it is looking more and more like the guy leading that ground attack – at least in the season opener vs. the 49ers — should and probably will be Zach Charbonnet.

Mike Macdonald seems frustrated that Kenneth Walker III (sore foot) has not been available, and he seemed to drop a huge hint that Charbs is probably the Week 1 starter when he said of Walker: “At some point, you’ve gotta do it on the field so you feel confident to go out there and execute at a high level and play your best football. So that’s something that we’re working through. He’s doing the best he can, and we’re doing the best we can as a coaching staff. We’ve just gotta work together on this thing as it unfolds.”

The way it is unfolding is for Charbonnet to be the main ballcarrier and Walker to potentially be the changeup – a home run back on a snap count.

As Daniel Jeremiah said on 710 AM Seattle Sports: “Is there a chance Charbonnet is the guy up there?

“I like Kenneth, but I am not so sure (Charbs) isn’t better. … I think he’s got better vision,” DJ explained. “Hesitation and pause — that’s not a friend in this system. You’ve got to be able to see it, sort it and go. I think Charbonnet sees things faster and gets to and through the hole quicker.”

This is exactly how we have seen it over the past two years — especially in 2024, when a poor offensive line mandated decisive moves by the ballcarrier. Walker often bounced outside, even when there was a crease he could have hit. Charbs, meanwhile, just charged ahead and got positive yardage more often than not.  

That contrast was apparent in their 2024 stats. Walker averaged 3.7 yards per carry and scored eight times (seven on the ground) in 11 games. The Hawks went 5-6 in those games.

Charbonnet averaged 4.2 yards and scored six touchdowns in his six starts. The Hawks went 5-1 in those games.

A big reason for that big half-yard difference in average is what DJ pointed out: Charbs sees the crease and runs straight for it. Sometimes it closes too fast, other times he gets through there using his power or speed.

Plenty of people think Walker could thrive in Klint Kubiak’s stretch zone scheme, which requires the running back to use his eyes and quickly cut through the lane once the line has created a wall.

Charbonnet did that quite well in his limited action against Kansas City last Friday. He gained 45 yards on five carries, scoring from 15 through a big hole. The line played great, but he showed once again that he is a very capable No. 1 back.

For Walker, there are two big questions: Is he decisive enough and will he even be available?

To us (and others such as DJ and Brock Huard), it makes more sense to lean on Charbonnet. Whether he starts or not, he is the guy you want in there for the must-have downs: third downs and short yardage. Walker’s best situational use would be second-and-shorts, where you can burn a run on a home run try. On first down, Charbs seems the more consistent gainer.

What seems likely to happen in the first game vs. the 49ers is Charbs starting and getting two-thirds of the snaps and Walker and George Holani splitting the rest. If that works, just keep it going. If Walker proves to be as explosive as some fans project and stays healthy, then the coaches could re-evaluate the snap share.

Also, do not be surprised if Walker gets traded just before the season. It seems unlikely, but some team could offer up a mid-round pick for him if he seems healthy and ready to be the No. 2 back in a place like Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas or Las Vegas (a reunion with Pete Carroll?). Or Washington could trade for him to replace Brian Robinson Jr.

We floated a trade earlier in the offseason, and then we backed off the idea when Kenny McIntosh got injured in camp. But Holani’s preseason and the presence of rookie Damien Martinez means the Hawks still could have a solid trio even if Walker were dealt.

Whatever happens with Walker, it just seems pretty clear to at least a few of us that Charbonnet is the most reliable rusher the Seahawks have and the guy who likely will be in the backfield when the season begins Sept. 7.