The Seattle Seahawks have swiftly reinforced their backfield following a commanding 44-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints. In light of running back Zach Charbonnet’s absence due to a toe injury sustained in Week 2, the team has strategically bolstered their roster by signing veteran running back Khalil Herbert to the practice squad. This move comes ahead of their upcoming Thursday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals, signaling a proactive approach to maintain their momentum.
Khalil Herbert, a seasoned 27-year-old running back, offers the Seahawks both experience and efficiency. Originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2021, Herbert demonstrated his potential during the 2022 season by amassing 731 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns on just 129 carries. His journey saw him with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024, followed by a stint with the Indianapolis Colts during the most recent offseason. Despite being cut late in the preseason due to a minor injury, Herbert has now regained his health and was one of three running backs invited for a workout in Seattle after Charbonnet’s Week 3 absence.
The team’s decision to add Herbert to the roster highlights the uncertainty surrounding Charbonnet’s short-term availability. Kenneth Walker III took on the primary backfield responsibilities in the recent win, and the addition of Herbert reinforces the Seahawks’ depth in anticipation of upcoming challenges. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noted the expected move, further emphasizing Seattle’s tactical approach.
Herbert’s inclusion brings a physical, downhill style to complement Walker’s explosive play. Although not renowned for his receiving skills, Herbert’s excellent vision and goal-line acumen could provide immediate impact. Should Charbonnet remain unavailable, he might even see an active roster elevation as soon as the forthcoming game against the Cardinals.
Notably, the Seahawks recently faced depth challenges after releasing rookie Damien Martinez. By integrating Herbert into their flexible and injury-resilient backfield, Seattle ensures they have ample options as they navigate a competitive NFC West, where every roster decision holds significance.
The strategic acquisition of Khalil Herbert might be timely for the Seahawks as they aim to build on their early-season success and continue their pursuit of dominance within the division.