The Seattle Seahawks have downgraded running back Kenneth Walker III to doubtful for Sunday’s Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots. Walker is dealing with an oblique issue, and is now unlikely to suit up this weekend.
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Walker did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and has been downgraded from questionable to doubtful. With the latest update, it’s looking more and more likely that Walker will sit during the team’s Week 2 matchup against the Patriots.
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Walker put together an impressive performance in Week 1, rushing 20 times for 103 yards and a touchdown to go along with two receptions for six yards. However, oblique injuries are always tricky, so it appears the Seahawks will proceed with caution with their third-year running back.
Walker, 23, was drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In 15 games in his rookie year, he rushed for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns. In 15 games last season, he rushed for 905 yards and eight touchdowns.
Fortunately for Seattle, they have a strong backup in running back Zach Charbonnet. The team spent a second-round pick on Charbonnet in 2023, and he had 108 rushes last season, accumulating 462 yards and one touchdown. He added 33 receptions for 209 yards.
In Week 1, Charbonnet ran eight times for 12 yards. However, he had a long 30-yard touchdown reception to open the fourth quarter, the first receiving touchdown of his career.
Charbonnet should get a full starter’s workload on Sunday in the matchup of 1-0 teams. The Seahawks are coming off a 26-20 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 1. The Patriots are coming off a surprise 16-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Week 2 matchup will be the Patriots’ home opener.
Fantasy Football Impact of Kenneth Walker’s Injury
With Walker expected to miss Sunday’s game, running back Zach Charbonnet is a must-start in all fantasy leagues. He should get the majority of the touches and could finish as a top running back this week.
Charbonnet’s backup is likely to be second-year running back Kenny McIntosh. McIntosh has only played on special teams during the first two years of his career. Charbonnet fantasy owners should view him as an RB1 or RB2, as he could finish as a top-10 or top-15 running back this week.
Start Charbonnet with confidence this week as the team awaits Walker’s return.
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