The Seattle Seahawks are facing significant challenges as they approach the end of the regular season, with the latest blow being the placement of running back Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve due to ankle injuries. This decision, announced on Thursday, ensures Walker will miss at least the next four weeks, putting him on the sidelines for the remainder of the regular season and potentially impacting the Seahawks' playoff aspirations.
Walker, who has been the team's leading rusher, suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of last week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, where he was seen bending awkwardly, indicating the severity of his condition. This marks yet another setback for Walker, who has battled injuries throughout the season. The third-year running back has already missed multiple games due to various ailments, adding up to a frustrating campaign. While Walker rushed for 573 yards and scored seven touchdowns this year, the number falls short of the expectations set after his impressive rookie season.
"It's disappointing to see his season cut short like this, especially after he had shown such promise coming off his rookie year when he rushed for over 1,000 yards," said head coach Mike Macdonald. Walker had initially shown great potential with 103 yards rushing against the Denver Broncos, but injuries quickly took their toll, sidelining him for two games right after.
Walker’s absence creates significant changes for the Seahawks' running back depth chart, which now sees Zach Charbonnet stepping up as the primary ball carrier. The second-year pro has proven to be capable, with 453 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the season, including standout performances like his 134-yard game against Arizona earlier this month. Following Charbonnet will be Kenny McIntosh, who also has contributed to the running game but with less impact compared to Charbonnet. To fill the void left by Walker, the Seahawks have signed rookie George Holani off the practice squad, who is expected to take on the third-string role behind Charbonnet and McIntosh.
The injury to Walker adds to the Seahawks’ long history of running back injuries, marking the ninth time in the last ten seasons the team has had to place one of their running backs on injured reserve. Historical data reveals the unfortunate pattern: Since 2015, the Seahawks have dealt with injuries to key players like Chris Carson, C.J. Prosise, and Travis Homer, all of whom faced significant time off the field due to various injuries. This chronic issue highlights both the physical demands of the NFL and the need for depth at the running back position.
With just two games left for the Seahawks, they find themselves fighting for their playoff lives. Currently positioned at 8-7, they are one game behind the division-leading Los Angeles Rams and are facing the Bears on Thursday night without their leading rusher. The urgency is palpable; losing Walker diminishes their chances significantly as he was not only pivotal to their offense but also served as one of the key players capable of making big plays. The Seahawks have only managed to average 90.1 rushing yards per game this season, placing them 30th in the NFL, signaling their struggles on the ground.
The team’s current standing gives them little room for errors. They must secure at least one victory against the Bears and then the Rams to keep their playoff hopes alive. Coach Mike Macdonald has expressed belief in his remaining backs but understands the uphill battle they face without Walker. "It’s about adapting, and I think we can still be effective regardless of who's back there. We have to rely on our offensive line to step up and execute our running schemes effectively," he remarked.
Looking forward, Walker's situation raises questions about his future with the Seahawks. He is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract, and after such injury-riddled seasons, questions arise about whether the team will extend his contract early or if he’ll need to prove himself again during the upcoming season. Walker, whose 2025 salary is non-guaranteed at $1.856 million, will have to work hard to regain his place as one of the top running backs if he returns fully healthy.
The situation surrounding Kenneth Walker III and the Seahawks’ running game will undoubtedly be closely monitored as the final weeks of the season approach. The future of the team’s running back situation lies heavily on the performance of Charbonnet, McIntosh, and Holani, and whether they can fill the substantial gap left by Walker.
