Mike Macdonald defends Seahawks’ RB strategy amid fan fury: “Trust our plan”
Mike Macdonald addresses Seahawks’ RB strategy amid fan discontent
Amidst mounting discontent among Seahawks fans, head coach Mike Macdonald has stepped forward to clarify the team’s approach to their running back workload. With the 12s expressing concern over the limited production of Zach Charbonnet, Macdonald is asking for patience and trust in the organization’s strategy.
Load Management Philosophy
As the Seahawks navigate their current 4-2 record, the coaching staff is implementing a system reminiscent of “load management” seen in the NBA. This approach is particularly focused on keeping starting running back Kenneth Walker healthy and effective throughout the season. Walker has been the clear leader in carries, logging 78 attempts so far, compared to Charbonnet’s 60.
However, the disparity in production between the two backs has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. While both players have recorded three rushing touchdowns, Walker boasts an impressive average of 4.7 yards per carry. In contrast, Charbonnet has struggled with only 2.6 yards per attempt, contributing to the frustrations voiced by Seahawks supporters.
The Road Ahead for Charbonnet
Despite the current performance metrics, Macdonald remains steadfast in his belief that the team’s strategy will ultimately benefit both players and the overall success of the squad. By managing Walker’s workload, the Seahawks hope to ensure he remains a potent force as the season progresses, while also allowing Charbonnet the opportunity to develop and contribute in a meaningful way.
As fans eagerly await the next game, Macdonald is optimistic that the planned approach will yield positive results, urging the 12s to maintain faith in what the coaching staff has designed for the season ahead. The focus remains on long-term goals, rather than immediate output, as the Seahawks aim to solidify their position in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
Celtics’ Jaylen Brown Day-to-Day With Hamstring Injury
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown took part in “everything but the live portion” of Friday’s practice after exiting the preseason finale with
left hamstring tightness, head coach Joe Mazzulla told The Athletic. Mazzulla described Brown as day-to-day with Opening Night looming next Wednesday vs. the Philadelphia 76ers.
Celtics’ Jaylen Brown day-to-day after hamstring injury, coach Joe Mazzulla says
Brown grabbed at the back of his left leg and left Wednesday’s
110–108 win over the Toronto Raptors in the first quarter. He did not return, and the team initially listed him as doubtful due to hamstring tightness. Local outlets indicated after the game that the injury was not believed to be serious.
What It Means for Boston
The All-NBA wing’s updated status is a
positive indicator that Boston avoided a major setback. Brown’s full participation in non-contact work suggests the hamstring handled controlled movement 48 hours after the scare, but the day-to-day label keeps his opener availability genuinely to be decided pending how he responds to ramp-up and any live work the staff allows before Wednesday.
The four-time All-Star enters 2025-26 off two strong seasons as a developing scorer-creator. Last year he averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and a career-best 4.5 assists in 34.3 minutes across 63 games, while shooting 46.3% from the field and 32.4% from three. He posted 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 11 playoff games. In 2023-24, Brown put up 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists over 70 games as Boston won the title, marking back-to-back 23-ish PPG seasons with incremental playmaking growth. He’s a four-time All-Star and a 2022-23 All-NBA selection, the latter helping trigger his supermax extension that summer.
From a profile standpoint, Brown’s value comes from downhill rim pressure, mid-post scoring and transition finishing, with enough catch-and-shoot volume to space next to another star. If he’s limited early, Boston typically redistributes on-ball reps to Derrick White and Payton Pritchard while keeping Brown in second-side actions when active. The day-to-day hamstring tag doesn’t change his usage outlook when he’s cleared; it just puts the emphasis on short-term management of minutes and back-to-backs.
Context matters for the 2025-26 Celtics: Jayson Tatum is rehabbing a torn Achilles suffered in May and is not expected to start the season, though recent updates show him progressing on-court. With Tatum sidelined, Brown projects as Boston’s primary option to start the year, making his short-term health pivotal.
Boston’s summer also brought sweeping roster changes: Jrue Holiday was traded to the Trail Blazers, Kristaps Porzingis moved to the Hawks in a three-team deal, and veterans Al Horford (Warriors) and Luke Kornet (Spurs) departed in free agency. That turnover places added weight on Brown, White, and Pritchard as the offense recalibrates around new pieces.
What’s Next
Boston opens the regular season
Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET against Philadelphia at TD Garden. Game listings currently show Brown as a game-time decision. Expect the Celtics to monitor his response to incremental activity through shootaround; any decision to play could come down to pregame testing. If Brown sits, look for elevated usage across White/Pritchard and added minutes for the wing/forward group to cover Brown’s on-ball and scoring load.
