Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III won’t play in tonight’s Thursday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears, and it’s possible his 2024 NFL season is over. Let’s examine what happened to Walker and how long he’ll be out.
Why Isn’t Kenneth Walker Playing?
After missing Weeks 14 and 15 with ankle and calf injuries, Walker returned in Week 16 to face the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately, Walker reaggravated his ankle injury during that contest.
Walker was recently placed on injured reserve, meaning he’ll have to miss the remainder of the regular season. Even if the Seahawks make the playoffs, the Seahawks would have to win two games for Walker to return, so it’s likely he has played his final snap of the season.
Walker dealt with injuries to his oblique, calf, and ankle throughout the 2024 campaign.
This season, Walker carried the ball 153 times for 573 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. He also added career-highs in receptions (46) and receiving yards (299) and a score through the air.
Who Will Be Starting in Walker’s Absence?
In Walker’s absence, Zach Charbonnet will return to the starting lineup.
When Walker had to miss time earlier in the year, Charbonnet was spectacular in replacing him. As a starter this season, Charbonnet has rushed for 317 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry (while also catching 16 passes for 118 yards).
His best performance came in Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals, as he rushed 22 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns while also catching seven passes for 59 yards.
For the year, Charbonnet isn’t far behind Walker from a statistical perspective, as he has rushed for 453 yards and eight touchdowns on 47 fewer carries. Charbonnet has more TDs and his yards per attempt (4.3) is better than Walker’s (3.7).
With Walker out, Charbonnet is a top-15 fantasy running back this week for managers in their championship matchup.