Through the first month of the season, the Seattle Seahawks rank near the bottom of the league in yards per kickoff return allowed (29.4), but they’re poised to regain a key special teams piece in the the coming weeks.
The team announced on Wednesday they’ve designated wide receiver and special teams gunner Irv Charles to return to practice, meaning they have a 21-day window to activate him to their active roster.
If they opt not to, he’ll remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
[Charles was acquired from the New York Jets on May 27](/seattle-seahawks-news/168885/nfl-news-seahawks-trade-new-york-jets-special-teams-gunner-irv-charles) but has yet to suit up for Seattle after he sustained an undisclosed injury during training camp and missed the entire preseason before being placed on injured reserve prior to the start of the regular season.
The fourth-year pro has already missed the minimum four-game requirement and is eligible to return to action as soon as Sunday. Although, the team’s Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs is seemingly the most realistic return date considering the Seahawks have a quick turnaround against the Denver Broncos next Thursday.
Charles, 29, missed the entirety of last season after he tore his ACL in December 2024, but emerged as a key special teams contributor over two seasons with the Jets, during which time he recorded 14 tackles and a blocked punt.