After a promising start in Week 1, Kenneth Walker III will return to action in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Walker, who rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries before being sidelined by an oblique injury, has missed the last two weeks. Now, the third-year running back looks to pick up where he left off as the Seahawks aim to establish their ground game once again.
In Walker’s absence, rookie running back Zach Charbonnet has taken on the lead role. Charbonnet’s initial start wasn’t particularly dazzling—he managed only 38 rushing yards on 14 carries—but he added a crucial touchdown and proved to be a dual threat with five catches for 31 yards. Last week, Charbonnet showcased his full potential, putting up 91 rushing yards and two touchdowns, firmly establishing himself as a viable RB1 in Walker’s stead.
The question now is how the Seahawks handle Walker’s return. There’s no doubt that having Walker back in the lineup strengthens the team, but with Charbonnet performing admirably, Seattle may want to ease Walker back into full-time action. Given his explosive ability, Walker is crucial for the Seahawks’ long-term success, and they’ll need him at 100% health as the season progresses.
The timing of Walker’s return is promising, but the Seahawks’ defense has been hit hard by injuries. Four key defenders—Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy, Uchenna Nwosu, and Boye Mafe—have been ruled out for Week 4. This defensive blow comes as the Seahawks prepare to face a tough Lions offense, which makes for a challenging task.
Williams, a defensive tackle, and Nwosu, a starting outside linebacker, have both been vital pieces of Seattle’s front seven. Murphy, who plays a significant rotational role on the defensive line, is also out due to a hamstring injury, while Mafe continues to deal with a knee issue. The team will likely look to Mike Morris, Myles Adams, Derick Hall, and Dre’Mont Jones to step up and fill the voids.
While the return of Kenneth Walker is a major boost to the offense, the Seahawks will need to find a way to patch their defense if they hope to compete against Detroit’s balanced attack. This game could hinge on how well Seattle can manage its injury-plagued defense while gradually reintegrating Walker into the offense.
