EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Seattle Seahawks ruled out starting linebacker Drake Thomasand running back Zach Charbonnet for their Thursday night game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and defensive tackle Leonard Williams have no game designations. They are both dealing with ankle injuries that had them listed as limited on the Seahawks' first two practice reports of the week, which were estimations because the team did not practice Monday or Tuesday.Williams was again listed as limited Wednesday, and Smith-Njigba was listed as a full participant."Those guys, they're ready to play," coach Mike Macdonald said of Smith-Njigba and Williams. "Looked good. On the short week, it's unfortunate we lost a couple of guys. Drake got out of the game and other guys are still out, but we're in a good spot."Thomas injured his ankle in the Seahawks' loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. He returned to the game and finished it but has been listed as a non-participant all three days this week.Macdonald confirmed that Tyrice Knight will start at weakside linebacker in Thomas' absence. A 2024 fourth-round pick, Knight made nine starts as a rookie and four last year."We're confident he'll play great and the standard stays the same on defense," Macdonald said. "I know he's excited for the opportunity and we're excited to see him play."Charbonnet, a co-starter last season, is still working his way back from February ACL surgery. Macdonald said postgame Sunday that the team was not planning to play him against Denver, though he didn't rule it out.Charbonnet has been listed as limited on every injury report since the Seahawks designated him to return to practice on Oct. 1. They have until next Thursday 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. He's going to be cheering us on and then we'll move forward. We're not even at nine months. ... It's remarkable that we're having this conversation."With Charbonnet still on PUP and rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price (chest) on injured reserve for at least two more games, Emanuel Wilson and George Holani will continue to lead Seattle's backfield. Velus Jones Jr. is the team's third running back.The only other Seahawk with an injury designation is backup linebacker/special teamer Chazz Surratt, who's out with an ankle injury.The Broncos will be without All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II and safety Talanoa Hufanga, who both have ankle injuries. Cornerback Riley Moss, who starts opposite Surtain, is questionable due to a rib injury.
