The Seattle Seahawks look like they're going to have to go without their top playmaker in the backfield this week. The team just announced that starting running back Kenneth Walker III is listed as doubtful to play in Sunday's road game against the New England Patriots. Walker has been dealing with an oblique injury he suffered on Sunday against the Denver Broncos and has not practiced this week.
If Walker can play, it's unlikely he'll be operating at 100%. In that case, expect him to start but split reps more evenly with primary backup Zach Charbonnet, who finished the fourth quarter against Denver. Let's break down what it means if Walker is ruled out.
Zach Charbonnet next man up
Charbonnet did score the winning touchdown against the Broncos on a 30-yard catch and run in the fourth quarter last week. However, he was inefficient on the ground, totaling just 12 yards on eight carries against Denver. That 1.5 yard average was far less effective than Walker's average of 5.2 YPC before he was knocked out of the game.
Like Walker, Charbonnet is a second-round draft pick but everything we have seen so far in his career indicates Walker is far ahead of him. As a rookie Charbonnet totaled 462 yards on 108 carries and one touchdown and this will be his first start in the NFL. Anything can happen, but odds are Seattle's run game is going to take a couple of steps backward if Walker is indeed on the sideline.
Running back depth tested
After Charbonnet the next running back in the rotation is Kenny McIntosh, who looked outstanding during the preseason but missed most of his rookie year and hasn't actually had a carry in a real game yet. There's only one other option currently on the team as far as running backs go.
Most likely undrafted rookie George Holani will be one of the team's two allotted practice squad elevations on Saturday. Holani looked good last month as well, but if another running back goes down it's fair to ask why they only rostered three to begin with. As far as outside the box options go, wide receiver/kickoff returner Laviska Shenault Jr. may also be available as a rusher if it comes down to that.
More pressure on offensive line
With their leading playmaker out, there will be more pressure on Seattle's offensive line to perform. That's especially true because right tackle George Fant is also listed as doubtful, which means Stone Forsythe will be starting in his place. That's not particularly encouraging because this unit got whooped at the line of scrimmage by Denver's defense in the first half last week. They did block far better for the run after halftime, but Charbonnet is not nearly as good as creating something out of nothing as Walker. He needs running lanes to thrive.
The Seahawks will want to get improved performances across the board here - as only left tackle Charles Cross had a really impressive 2024 debut. Starting guards Laken Tomlinson and Anthony Bradford will have to step up their pass blocking especially.
