The Seattle Seahawks have ruled out starting linebacker Drake Thomas and running back Zach Charbonnet for Thursday night’s game against the Denver Broncos, ESPN reported.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported the designations ahead of the Week 6 Thursday Night Football clash at Empower Field at Mile High. Kick-off is Friday morning Australian time (Thursday night in the US).
Thomas injured his ankle in Seattle’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. He returned to finish that game but has been a non-participant in all three practice reports this week. Coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Tyrice Knight will start at weakside linebacker in his place.
“We’re confident he’ll play great and the standard stays the same on defense,” Macdonald said of Knight, a 2024 fourth-round pick who made nine starts as a rookie and four last year.
Read more: NFL Injury Report Week 6: Lamar, Penix and Key Names to Watch
Charbonnet still on PUP
Charbonnet, a co-starter last season, is still working back from February ACL surgery. Macdonald said after Sunday’s game the team was not planning to play him against Denver. Charbonnet has been listed as limited since the Seahawks designated him to return to practice on 1 October, and they have until 22 October to activate him off the physically unable to perform list.
“He looks tremendous,” Macdonald said. “Working through it on how we’re going to handle the situation. Right now, our focus is on playing a game. He’s not playing in this game.”
With Charbonnet on PUP and rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price on injured reserve, Emanuel Wilson and George Holani will lead Seattle’s backfield, with Velus Jones Jr. the third running back, ESPN reported.
Read more: Alaric Jackson Suspended Two Games for Punching Bradley Chubb
Who is playing
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and defensive tackle Leonard Williams have no game designations after ankle injuries earlier in the week. Macdonald said both are ready to play. Backup linebacker Chazz Surratt is out with an ankle injury.
Denver will be without All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II and safety Talanoa Hufanga (both ankle). Cornerback Riley Moss is questionable with a rib injury, per ESPN.
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