Entering Week 15’s slate of games, fantasy football managers could be without one of their best playmakers: Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III. In Week 13 against the Rams, Walker jammed his ankle and subsequently missed Week 14. With a quick turnaround for Thursday Night Football, Walker is uncertain to play again.
We have the latest injury update on Walker and a breakdown of whether you should put him into your lineup if he’s active in Week 15.
Update: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that in an estimated practice report, Walker was listed as limited. That is a good sign for his potential availability Thursday night.
Kenneth Walker III Injury Update
There’s no question the Seahawks have to love what they’ve seen from Walker thus far this season. Walker has shown off his natural feel for the game and solid explosiveness despite playing behind a similarly young offensive line and splitting time with Rashaad Penny early in the year. Walker’s five-week stretch from Weeks 5 through 9 brought 88 carries, 512 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Walker’s production came to a screeching halt at that point, with only 27 carries for 79 yards and two touchdowns over the next two-plus games. Then, in Week 13, he was off to a hot start against the Raiders, gaining 36 yards on three carries before suffering his ankle injury.
The Seahawks immediately saw their running game plummet with DeeJay Dallas, Tony Jones Jr., and Travis Homer filling in.
Walker didn’t participate in practice last week and was called a game-time decision before being ruled out just before Sunday. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said this week is another coin flip as to whether he’ll play. Monday’s practice will help determine how likely it is he’s available, via Brady Henderson of ESPN.
Even if Walker is deemed good to go, it’s fair for fantasy managers to wonder whether he’s a good play against this 49ers defense. Will Walker’s ankle be strong enough for him to pivot and cut through any visible rushing lanes? Can he take several hits and withstand a normal workload?
MORE: Monday RB Injury Report Week 15
San Francisco has the best defense in the NFL against rushers, giving up 15.3 fantasy points per game. Allowing an average of 84.6 total yards and 0.42 touchdowns, Walker’s biggest value for managers is if he can score a touchdown. He has nine rushing scores on the year but zero as a receiver.
The 49ers’ top-ranked run defense stifled the Seahawks’ run game in their first matchup this season. San Francisco won 27-7 and Seattle abandoned the run early. They attempted only 14 rushes for 36 yards. Seattle can’t afford to let that happen again if they want a chance to keep their NFC Wild Card odds alive.
There’s a chance Walker will have red-zone value for managers even if he’s ineffective or doesn’t see the volume he’s become used to. One touchdown justifies starting him. I recommend not starting Walker if he’s active but some managers won’t have the depth to pivot to another back.
Starting Walker is a bit of an educated prayer that he’ll see a goal-line touch and make the most of it. There are worse options on the market. Make sure you check back here as the week progresses to see more injury updates on Walker.
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