In a devastating development for the Seattle Seahawks’ playoff push, the team has placed their leading rusher Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve due to an ankle injury sustained in last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The move deals a major blow to Seattle’s already struggling ground game and clouds their postseason outlook with just two weeks remaining in the regular season.
Walker’s Injury Leaves Gaping Hole in Seahawks Offense
A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Walker had emerged as the Seahawks’ premiere back this season, leading the team with 573 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground despite missing four games due to oblique and calf injuries earlier in the year. His hard-charging running style brought a much-needed spark to an offense that ranks just 30th in the league in rushing yards per game.
With Walker sidelined, Seattle will now turn to rookie Zach Charbonnet to shoulder the load in the backfield. The seventh-round pick out of UCLA has shown promise in limited action, compiling 453 rushing yards and a team-high eight rushing touchdowns. But whether he can match Walker’s production and impact remains to be seen.
Seahawks Face Uphill Battle to Reach Postseason
At 8-7 and currently on the outside looking in at the NFC playoff picture, the Seahawks have little margin for error in their final two games. A loss on Thursday night to the lowly Chicago Bears, coupled with a Los Angeles Rams victory over Arizona this weekend, would eliminate Seattle from contention before they even take the field in Week 18.
It’s a tough break for us, losing Ken right when we need him most. But this team has battled adversity all year and we’ll keep fighting until we’re officially out of the hunt. Zach and the rest of our backs will step up.
Pete Carroll, Seahawks head coach
Walker will be sidelined for a minimum of four games now that he’s on injured reserve, meaning his impressive sophomore campaign is over unless the Seahawks make a deep playoff run. Though they weren’t among the preseason Super Bowl favorites, Seattle had played their way into the postseason conversation thanks in large part to Walker’s contributions. His absence will be felt immensely as they battle for their playoff lives in the final two weeks.
Other Injuries Adding to Seahawks’ Woes
Walker isn’t the only key player the Seahawks will be without on Thursday night. Defensive tackle Al Woods and safety Ryan Neal have also been ruled out, further depleting a Seattle defense that has struggled mightily in recent weeks. After a promising start to the season, the Seahawks have allowed 30+ points in three of their last four games.
- Seattle’s rushing offense ranks 30th in the NFL at just 91.9 yards per game
- The Seahawks have a 16% chance to make the playoffs, per FiveThirtyEight
With their top running back out, their defense in shambles, and their playoff hopes dwindling by the day, the Seahawks are a team in dire straits as they head to Chicago for a must-win showdown with the Bears. It’s put up or shut up time for Geno Smith and company – but having to do it without Kenneth Walker III makes the task all the more daunting.
