Seattle Seahawks running backs Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price demonstrated offensive synergy during their second game together, accounting for 53 of the team’s 55 offensive yards during an 11-play drive in the first quarter.
The drive helped Seattle secure a lead following a one-yard rushing touchdown by tight end AJ Barner.
Price, appearing in his fifth game on Sunday, recorded 24 rushing yards on nine carries. He also contributed to the passing attack, finishing with a team-high 54 receiving yards on four receptions. Price noted that his involvement in the passing game is a result of his own preparation and the confidence earned from his teammates and coaching staff.
That’s something that I’ve worked on,
Price said. I’ve built the trust from the coaches and the players.
It’s really just the coaches giving me more opportunities and me being able to show what I can do in games.
Charbonnet contributed to the team’s ability to manage the clock in the final minutes of the game while maintaining a lead. Tight end AJ Barner praised the running back’s ability to sustain drives, stating, To have him do that, to break tackles like that, that’s what you want in your running back. To get him back out there, obviously, we all felt that.
Head coach Mike Macdonald noted that Price’s presence on the field forced the Cardinals defense to account for additional threats. Macdonald described Price as decisive with his runs and highlighted his role in various pass concepts. I think he’s just going to continue to get better now that he’s kind of stacking weeks and he’s getting healthier, that’ll help us,
Macdonald said.
AJ Barner recorded both a rushing and a receiving touchdown for the first time in his career. Barner’s versatility was evident during his snaps under center, where he converted two third-and-1 situations and scored on a rushing touchdown.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba commented on Barner’s impact, saying, He’s like one of the best tight ends in the world. So we have to use him. You know, he can do it. He can do it all. So his versatility is something that’s very special and something that we have to use throughout the remainder of the season.
The Seahawks ruled out offensive tackle Charles Cross with an ankle injury, running back Velus Jones with a hamstring issue, and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed due to a knee injury. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is doubtful with an ankle problem, while Patrick O’Connell (toe), defensive tackle Brandon Pili (back), and quarterback Drew Lock (right elbow) are questionable. Lock was limited in all three practices this week.
Charbonnet is returning to action Monday night against the Bears without an injury designation. His recovery follows a torn ACL in his left knee that occurred on his fifth carry during the divisional round of the playoffs. After undergoing surgery on February 20, the team opened a 21-day return-to-practice window for him on October 1.
Earlier this season, Price recorded 140 yards on 32 touches.
