It appears the Seahawks will be without their starting running back for the remainder of their Week 11 matchup against the Rams.
Kenneth Walker III left the game with an oblique injury in the first quarter and has been ruled doubtful to return. Walker has been a stud for Seattle this season, tallying 595 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns to go with 175 receiving yards, 16 receptions and one receiving touchdown.
The Seahawks will now rely on rookie running back Zach Charbonnet — their second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft — to carry the load.
MORE: Updated NFL standings, playoff picture for Week 11
How serious is Walker's injury and when could he return? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
What is Kenneth Walker III's injury?
Walker was seen holding his side during a run in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Rams.
Walker took a carry up the middle and was wincing in pain before he was even touched by an opposing player. He left the game immediately and was diagnosed with an oblique injury.
#Seahawks Kenneth Walker in the medical tent after this run pic.twitter.com/m5VJcz9YGf
— BSGsports (@BSGsportsmedia) November 19, 2023
Walker only had four carries for 18 yards and one reception for -2 yards upon his exit.
How long will Kenneth Walker III be out?
Walker has been ruled doubtful to return to Sunday's contest against the Rams.
.@Seahawks injury update: RB Kenneth Walker III is Doubtful (oblique).
— Seahawks PR (@seahawksPR) November 19, 2023
Check back for updates as they become available.
Seahawks RB depth chart
- Kenneth Walker III (injured)
- DeeJay Dallas
- Zach Charbonnet
- Kenny McIntosh
Dallas is the next RB in line on Seattle's depth chart but expect Charbonnet to handle the bulk of the carries in Walker's absence. The Seahawks selected Charbonnet out of UCLA with their second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Charbonnet has been Walker's backup all season. Dallas only has five carries for 14 yards on the year, while the rookie RB has 38 carries for 214 yards. Charbonnet has also been active as a pass-catcher, tallying 70 yards on 13 receptions.
Seahawks schedule 2023
| Date | Week | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Nov. 23 | 12 | vs. 49ers (Thanksgiving) | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
| Nov. 30 | 13 | at Cowboys (TNF) | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime |
| Dec. 10 | 14 | at 49ers | 4:05 p.m. | FOX |
| Dec. 17 | 15 | vs. Eagles | 4:25 p.m. | FOX |
| Dec. 24 | 16 | at Titans | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Dec. 31 | 17 | vs. Steelers | 4:05 p.m. | FOX |
| TBD | 18 | at Cardinals | TBD | TBD |
