Seattle Seahawks standout running back Kenneth Walker III has officially been downgraded to out for Sunday’s Week 14 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals due to an ankle/calf injury. NFL Insider Tom Pelissero reported the news, confirming that Walker will miss his first game of the season after being limited in practice earlier in the week and sitting out both Thursday and Friday’s sessions.
Walker’s Absence Paves the Way for Charbonnet
With Walker sidelined, second-year running back Zach Charbonnet is expected to step in as the primary back for the Seahawks. Charbonnet, who has rushed for 266 yards on 75 carries (3.5 yards per attempt) and five touchdowns this season, will be leaned on heavily in Walker’s absence. Charbonnet has also been effective as a receiver, catching 29 passes for 204 yards and one touchdown, making him a versatile option in Seattle’s backfield.
Backup running back Kenny McIntosh is also likely to see an increased role as Charbonnet’s primary backup, but there’s a possibility that the Seahawks could promote undrafted rookie George Holani from the practice squad to add more depth to the position.
Challenges Remain for Seahawks’ Offense
While the absence of Walker may seem significant on paper, his absence might not have as major an impact as one might think. The Seahawks’ offensive line has struggled all season to establish a consistent run game, and Walker’s production has been hampered by these issues. In their last meeting with the Cardinals, Walker was limited to just 41 yards on 16 carries (2.6 yards per attempt), reflecting the difficulties Seattle’s offense has faced in sustaining a productive ground attack.
In fact, the Seahawks’ offense has significantly underperformed in 2024. Since Week 7, they have scored 20 points or fewer in all but two games. Over the past two weeks, they have only managed 42 total points, with 12 of those coming from interception returns. This highlights an ongoing struggle to execute offensively and generate sustained drives, which will remain a concern heading into Week 14, regardless of Walker’s status.
Walker’s 2024 Season So Far
Kenneth Walker, drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has been one of the team’s most dynamic offensive players since his arrival. Walker had an impressive rookie season in 2022, finishing with 219 carries for 905 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also added 29 receptions for 259 yards and one touchdown over 15 games.
This season, Walker had another strong start before his injury setback, including a standout performance in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers, where he totaled 156 scrimmage yards and scored two rushing touchdowns in a 37-27 victory. His effort earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. But as the Seahawks have struggled to establish offensive consistency in 2024, Walker’s contributions have been among the few bright spots.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Seattle?
With Walker out and the offense still finding its footing, Seattle’s running game will once again fall on Charbonnet’s shoulders. However, the challenges facing the Seahawks aren’t just about one player’s absence. Seattle has struggled to generate consistent offensive production all season long, and even with Walker on the field, they’ve failed to meet expectations in the run game.
Against the Cardinals, the Seahawks will need a collective effort from Charbonnet and the rest of the offense to prove they can find a rhythm, particularly with the postseason hunt heating up. Walker’s injury has undoubtedly created a hole in their offensive attack, but it’s one that will need to be filled not just by Charbonnet, but by the entire team as they look to maintain their playoff push.
Final Thoughts
Though losing Walker is certainly a blow for the Seahawks, the team’s struggles this season have gone beyond any one player’s absence. The challenges they face on offense—particularly in the run game—are systemic, and addressing those issues will be key for Seattle as they look to bounce back against Arizona in Week 14. With Charbonnet stepping up as the lead back, it will be a true test of whether the Seahawks can adapt and get their offense back on track.
