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Seahawks Enter NFC Championship With Kupp Leading, Holani and Arroyo Activated, Charbonnet Out

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Seahawks aim to cap franchise‑record season against Rams Seattle finished the regular season with a franchise‑best 14 wins and secured the NFC West title, setting up a showdown with the Los Angeles Rams in the conference championship [1][3]. The Rams entered the game as the league’s top offense, led by Davante Adams, who tops the NFL in touchdown receptions [3]. Both teams view the matchup as a final chance to reach the Super Bowl, with Seattle hoping to translate its record‑breaking year into a title [1][4].

Cooper Kupp provides veteran stability and elite blocking The 32‑year‑old wide receiver logged 593 receiving yards in 16 games, the second‑fewest of his career, but remained a key playmaker and top blocker for the Seahawks [1]. Seattle limited his practice repetitions to preserve health after three injury‑laden seasons with the Rams [1]. Head coach Mike Macdonald praised Kupp’s availability and “smart management,” while offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak highlighted his impact on both the passing and rushing attacks [1].

Running‑back depth reshapes after Charbonnet’s injury Starting RB Zach Charbonnet suffered a knee injury in the divisional‑round win over San Francisco and will miss the remainder of the postseason [4]. Backup Kenneth Walker III becomes the only healthy running back, prompting the Seahawks to promote reserve George Holani and rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo to the active roster [2]. Holani, who posted 73 yards and a touchdown during the regular season, is described as “in great shape” and ready to back up Walker [2].

Rams rely on Adams despite recent hamstring setback Davante Adams, the league leader in touchdown receptions, missed the season’s final weeks with a hamstring injury that contributed to the Rams dropping the No. 1 seed [3]. The team reported limited practice for several players, including Byron Young’s knee soreness and quarterback Quentin Lake’s illness, but expects Adams to be fully available for the championship [3]. His pursuit of a first Super Bowl follows four NFC title losses with Green Bay, adding personal motivation to the Rams’ offensive firepower [3].

Coaches emphasize health management and roster flexibility Both Seattle and Los Angeles highlighted the importance of preserving player health ahead of the high‑stakes game. Macdonald lauded Holani’s work ethic and Kupp’s consistency, while Rams staff noted ongoing monitoring of Young and Lake [2][3]. The combined focus on injury mitigation and depth underscores the strategic adjustments each team has made entering the NFC Championship [1][4].

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Timeline

Dec 16, 2025 – The Los Angeles Rams postpone the decision on hamstring‑injured wide receiver Davante Adams until game time, noting he missed Tuesday’s walk‑throughs. Both the Rams and Seattle Seahawks sit 11‑3 atop the NFC West, with Los Angeles holding the tiebreaker after a 21‑19 win last month. Adams, who has 60 catches for 789 yards and a league‑leading 14 touchdowns, remains the Rams’ primary scoring threat despite limited practice. [2]

Dec 18, 2025 – The Rams officially rule Davante Adams out of Thursday night’s game at Seattle because of a lingering hamstring injury that he aggravated on a long route during the 41‑34 win over Detroit. Adams leads the NFL in touchdown receptions this season with 14, and his absence forces the Rams to rely on a thin third‑receiver corps. [8]

Dec 24, 2025 – Washington names 39‑year‑old quarterback Josh Johnson as the starter for the Christmas‑Day home game against the Dallas Cowboys after Jayden Daniels is sidelined with an aggravated elbow dislocation and Marcus Mariota suffers a quad injury. Johnson, who holds the NFL record for playing on 14 different teams, makes his 10th career start, while the Commanders sit 4‑11 and have been eliminated from playoff contention. Injuries to left tackle Laremy Tunsil, defensive tackle Daron Payne and linebacker Nick Bellore further weaken Washington’s roster. [1]

Jan 4, 2026 – The San Francisco 49ers lose Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams and receiver Ricky Pearsall to injuries ahead of their Week 18 showdown with Seattle, raising concerns about pass protection against a division rival. Seattle activates reserve left tackle Josh Jones to fill the vacancy left by Charles Cross, while both teams finalize inactives for the must‑win game. [7]

Jan 19, 2026 – Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet suffers a severe knee injury during the 41‑6 divisional‑round victory over the 49ers and will miss the remainder of the postseason, requiring surgery. Charbonnet had led Seattle with 12 rushing touchdowns and 730 yards, becoming the first Seahawk since Marshawn Lynch (2014) to reach double‑digit TDs. Coach Mike Macdonald calls the loss “heartbreaking” and lauds Charbonnet as the “epitome of what it means to be a Seahawk.” [6]

Jan 22, 2026 – Wide receiver Davante Adams chases his first Super Bowl with the Rams after four NFC Championship defeats with Green Bay, entering the title game as the league’s touchdown‑reception leader. A hamstring injury that sidelined him in December contributed to the Rams losing the No. 1 seed, and only a handful of the 2021 Super Bowl‑winning roster remain. Adams says being back with a great team “deepens my appreciation for moments like this.” [5]

Jan 23, 2026 – Seattle promotes reserve running back George Holani and rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo from injured reserve, making them eligible for the NFC Championship. Holani, who recovered from a hamstring strain that placed him on IR after a 30‑24 win over Tennessee, logged 73 yards and a touchdown during the regular season. Coach Mike Macdonald declares Holani “in great shape” and “working his tail off,” adding depth to the Seahawks’ backfield. [4]

Jan 23, 2026 – Veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp readies for the NFC Championship against his former team, the Los Angeles Rams, emphasizing his routine consistency as Seattle seeks a Super Bowl berth. Kupp, the 2021 Super Bowl 56 MVP and recipient of the receiving triple crown, now logs a modest 593 yards in 16 games after Seattle limits his practice reps to preserve health. Coaches praise his elite blocking and availability, noting his impact on both the passing and rushing attacks as the Seahawks set a franchise‑record 14 wins. [3]

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