The Seahawks head to Chicago Wednesday evening ahead of their Thursday night game against the Bears, creating a rather unusual, short week of preparation for the team, particularly given the fact that Wednesday also happens to be Christmas.

But short week and holiday or not, the Seahawks are looking to make the most of the work they can get in ahead Thursday's game.

"We've been good," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "It's an unorthodox week. It's not a normal cadence to the week obviously with all the stuff going on, but the guys have done a great job."

The key to getting ready for a game on a short, week, Macdonald said, is to do the necessary amount of preparation without overdoing it.

"Keep it simple, and throw our fastball, that's the mentality," he said. "But you've got to do your homework too and get the prep in, so you can't overcook it, but there's a balance there about doing the right prep and counter what the Bears do as well."

With losses in their last two games, the Seahawks no longer control their playoff destiny, but they do have a shot to win the NFC West depending on what happens in some other games, most notably Saturday's game between the Rams and Cardinals. But the focus for the team, despite needing some help, can't be on anything but the upcoming game.

"We all understand what situation we're in, the focus is on going to win this football game," Macdonald said. "So do what it takes to do that and play our best football, that's what we're focused on right now."

On the injury front, the Seahawks are mostly healthy, but will be without a key player on offense, running back Kenneth Walker III, who was ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained late in last week's loss to the Vikings. Also out are tight end Brady Russell (foot), and safety K'Von Wallace (ankle), who has returned to practice but is still on injured reserve.

With Walker out, Zach Charbonnet is expected to make another start, and the Seahawks have full confidence in the second-year back, who has rushed for 453 yards and eight touchdowns, including a career-best 134 yards while starting in place of Walker in Seattle's Week 14 win in Arizona.

"That's one of the things you love about him, he's the same guy every day, incredibly prepared, runs the ball tough, runs it hard," Macdonald said. "I think he's grown as a player as a person, but that just speaks to his work ethic."

Walker's absence should also mean a bigger role for second-year running back Kenny McIntosh, who has looked good in limited opportunities in recent weeks.

"It seems like every time he touches the ball, something positive happens, which is good," Macdonald said of McIntosh. "He's earned those opportunities, and we've had conversations like this throughout the season of, 'Hey, stick to your prep, stay steadfast in your approach, and those opportunities will come your way. Take advantage of them.' I feel like he's done that, and he's going to have a great opportunity this game to do it again."