The Seattle Seahawks are attempting to solidify their position in the NFC Wild Card race in Week 17, but they may have to finish Sunday’s game without one of their key offensive playmakers. Running back Kenneth Walker III might have suffered an injury early in the third quarter of Seattle’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kenneth Walker III Injury Update
Walker left the field favoring his shoulder after posting a four-yard carry soon after the start of the second half of the Seahawks’ Week 17 matchup.
Walker never appeared to enter the blue medical tent on Seattle’s sideline, but he did receive shoulder treatment from the club’s medical staff while the Steelers were on offense.
The second-year back returned for the Seahawks’ next offensive drive and handled two carries, the second coming on a direct snap. Walker fumbled that rushing attempt, which Seattle recovered.
Walker may have reaggravated his shoulder injury on that play, as he departed for the Seahawks’ locker room shortly after the fumble.
Fortunately, Seattle designated Walker as probable to return. He eventually re-entred Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter.
Walker entered Week 17 with an existing shoulder injury and an illness. He didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday before returning for a limited Friday session. Walker was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.
The former Michigan State Spartan had followed up his Offensive Rookie of the Year runner-up campaign by posting 774 rushing yards and seven touchdowns through Week 16, adding 25 catches for 234 yards and another score in Seattle’s passing game.
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Walker has already dealt with injury issues earlier this year. He missed Weeks 12 and 13 — both Seattle losses — while battling an oblique issue.
Rookie RB Zach Charbonnet handled most of the Seahawks’ backfield work while Walker was sidelined during those games and figures to see the majority of the touches with Walker out again.
Fantasy Football Impact of Walker’s Injury
Walker was having a quality fantasy day against the Steelers before getting banged up in the third quarter.
Walker produced 75 total yards and a score on 11 touches prior to his exit. Walker was starting to find his footing again after missing a couple of games with an oblique injury, with two scores in his last three games. Charbonnet will see an expanded role if Walker is to miss any time in the near future.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate