Seahawks list Jaxon Smith-Njigba limited and two linebackers out as Irv Charles is activated for TNF

The Seattle Seahawks head into Thursday night at Denver with their leading receiver and two linebackers on the injury report, while special-teams gunner Irv Charles is finally eligible to make his Seahawks debut after being activated from injured reserve.

Seattle (3-2) visits the Broncos (3-2) at Empower Field at Mile High at 8:15 p.m. EDT on Thursday, October 15. Because it is a short week, both clubs posted estimated participation reports Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday’s final designations were still pending when the midweek report closed.

Smith-Njigba limited, linebackers sit

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the NFL with 583 receiving yards and seven touchdowns through five weeks, was listed as limited with an ankle injury on both Monday and Tuesday. He finished Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and the Seahawks appear to be managing him on the short turnaround rather than facing a long-term setback.

Linebacker Drake Thomas did not participate either day after hurting his ankle against the 49ers, though he returned for the second half of that game. Chazz Surratt remained a non-participant with the calf injury that has already cost him two games. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams (ankle) and backup quarterback Drew Lock (right forearm) were also limited both days.

Tuesday’s estimated report

• Did not participate: LB Chazz Surratt (calf), LB Drake Thomas (ankle)
• Limited: RB Zach Charbonnet (knee), QB Drew Lock (right forearm), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (ankle), DT Leonard Williams (ankle)
• Full: WR Irv Charles (knee), RB George Holani (ribs, knee), G Beau Stephens (shoulder)

Charles activated; Charbonnet still waiting

Seattle activated Irv Charles from injured reserve on Tuesday and released running back Velus Jones Jr. to open the roster spot. Charles, acquired in an offseason trade with the Jets, is expected to contribute heavily on special teams as a gunner. He practiced fully on the estimated report, another sign he is on track for Thursday.

Running back Zach Charbonnet remains on the physically unable to perform list and was limited again. Coach Mike Macdonald said Monday that Charbonnet is unlikely to play this week. “As of right now, the answer is no, subject to change,” Macdonald said. “Trying not to be boxed in there, some wiggle room.” Guard Beau Stephens moved from limited Monday to full Tuesday with his shoulder issue.

Broncos secondary still thin

Denver’s midweek report again listed cornerback Pat Surtain II (ankle) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) as non-participants. Jeremy Fowler reported that Hufanga is expected to miss multiple weeks after leaving Sunday’s win over the Chargers. Cornerback Riley Moss (ribs) was limited; safety Brandon Jones (foot) and guard Ben Powers (biceps) were full.

That matchup — Smith-Njigba against a Broncos secondary missing its top corner and starting safety — is the central storyline of Thursday night. Final game statuses usually land the day of a Thursday kickoff; until then, Seattle’s priority is getting JSN and the linebacker room as healthy as a short week allows.