We are now firmly in the final stretch of the 2022 NFL season. Daily practice reports are as long as ever with injury updates pouring in. Last week, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III left the game in the first half with what was described as an ankle injury.
What is the latest on Walker’s injury, and should fantasy football managers prepare for him to miss this Sunday’s game?
Kenneth Walker III Injury Update
Update: Kenneth Walker did not practice all week and is listed as questionable for Week 14.
After missing the preseason and first game of the season with a groin injury, Walker had been the pinnacle of health. Unfortunately, that ended last week when Walker limped off after a sideline run.
Following the game, head coach Pete Carroll said Walker “jammed his ankle.” It isn’t being described as a traditional sprain but rather a “strain” of sorts. By all accounts, it’s a very uncommon injury.
Carroll, most famous for his truthfulness regarding injuries (note: sarcasm), was surprisingly vague regarding Walker’s status for this Sunday’s game. Typically, he would paint a realistic picture of optimism. It does appear as if Carroll is a bit more grounded when it comes to Walker’s situation.
MORE: Week 14 Fantasy Football Rest-of-Season Rankings
The problem here is we’re still not quite sure what Walker is dealing with. He was listed on the official injury report with an ankle injury. That doesn’t necessarily provide more clarity, but at least we know it was an ankle that Walker hurt.
The Seahawks are dealing with more than just injuries to Walker in their backfield. Previous starter Rashaad Penny is already on IR with a broken leg. Travis Homer didn’t play last week with a combination of a knee issue and an illness.
DeeJay Dallas also left last week’s game with an ankle injury. He was initially listed as doubtful to return, but he was forced back into action when Tony Jones took a big shot and had to get checked for a concussion. Jones ultimately returned and currently holds the title of the healthiest back in Seattle.
Will Kenneth Walker III Play This Sunday?
At this point in the season, Wednesday practice reports are largely meaningless. Walker did not practice on Wednesday. While it would be preferable if he did, a Wednesday absence certainly doesn’t seal Walker’s fate for this weekend’s game.
With that said, Walker is just three days removed from the injury. It’s not like he’s already missed games and has had time to recover. I am not optimistic about Walker’s likelihood of playing. If I had to assign a percentage to it, I would say there is a 5% chance Walker plays.
That leaves fantasy managers looking for a replacement. At this point, I’m not confident Dallas plays, either.
The good news is Homer returned to practice Wednesday. He would be the favorite to serve as the primary back if Walker and Dallas both can’t go. If Dallas can go, Dallas would likely be the lead runner and Homer would rotate in on passing downs. In either scenario, Tony Jones would not be someone I’m interested in.
The Seahawks also signed Wayne Gallman. Assuming Homer and Jones play, Gallman will only be active if Dallas and Walker can’t.
If you are desperate, here is how I’d prioritize the Seahawks’ backs (assuming Walker misses): Dallas > Homer > Jones > Gallman. But if you must get some action on the Seattle backfield, your best path is to do so on Underdog Fantasy. None of these players are ideal for seasonal fantasy managers looking to secure a playoff spot.