Producing in spurts, Kenneth Walker has also dealt with steady injury trouble. The starting running back’s latest setback will move him out of the picture during the Seahawks’ final push for the playoffs.
Seattle is moving Walker to IR, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. This will sideline Walker for at least four games; the third-year RB is dealing with an ankle injury. The team moved George Holani up from its practice squad to fill Walker’s roster spot, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets, but Zach Charbonnet will return to a lead role in Seattle’s backfield.
A 2022 second-round pick, Walker has flashed as a pro. He gained 1,050 rushing yards as a rookie, averaging a career-best 4.6 yards per carry, and surpassed 900 rushing yards last season. Both campaigns involved two missed games apiece; this one will stop at 11. Walker has missed time due to ankle, calf and oblique injuries this season.
Groin and abdomen issues also dogged Walker during his first two NFL seasons, with ankle trouble intervening during that span as well. This shutdown — barring a Seattle run to the NFC championship game — could complicate Walker’s status in 2025. While the Seahawks have generally used Walker as their clear lead back when healthy, his inability to stay on the field this season may lead the team to reassess its backfield. Walker has one season remaining on his rookie deal; two more years remain on Charbonnet’s.
Walker’s 3.7-yard average this season represents a career-low mark; in all likelihood, the former Michigan State and Wake Forest back will finish the year with 573 yards on the ground. Charbonnet has played well in relief of Walker, and the 2023 second-round pick will have an interesting opportunity ahead. Next Gen Stats’ rushing yards over expected per attempt metric places Charbonnet as the more effective runner this season, slotting him in the top 15 (0.66). Walker (minus-0.1) sits outside the top 30 here.
Charbonnet totaled 193 scrimmage yards and two scores in Seattle’s Week 14 win over Arizona. The Seahawks will need solid production from their backup over the final two weeks, as they are now 8-7 and trail the Rams in the NFC West. ESPN’s FPI gives the Haws a 19.1% chance to make the playoffs.
He’s taken the title as 1st Team All Pro IR RB
I think CMC has that one locked up this year.
Jonathan Taylor has been trying also.
With Seattle’s line Eric Dickerson would’ve averaged under 4 a carry and ended up on IR
Has been a rough year with the line.
I didn’t realize we had an o-line!
This year when I have been watching been calling it many names!