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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) looked like his 2022 self in his first game of 2024, rushing 24 times for 103 yards and a touchdown along with two catches for six yards, good for 18.90 PPR fantasy points. Walker looked like a locked-in RB1.
However, Walker missed Week 2 after suffering an oblique injury during the first game. His Week 3 status is now up in the air.
Will Kenneth Walker III play in Week 3? Is he hurt or healthy? What does his fantasy football outlook look like? Let's dive in.
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Will Kenneth Walker III Play In Week 3?
UPDATE: Walker is officially doubtful to play in Week 3, setting Zach Charbonnet up for another start
The Seahawks haven't elaborated on Walker's status for Week 3, but it's not looking great. Walker missed practice on Wednesday, which marked the second week in a row that he's missed at least one practice.
Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III did not practice again today due to his oblique injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2024
It's slightly encouraging news that he was at least on the practice field on Thursday, but during the portion open to the media, it didn't look like he was taking any meaningful reps and was simply doing light straight-line sprints down the field. Likely, he can't cut, juke, or block without significant pain.
Kenneth Walker testing his oblique injury running from a distance at you on a side field before #Seahawks practice began today for Sunday’s game vs the Dolphins.
Will he play?
Coach Mike Macdonald said, coyly, “we’ll see.” @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/mL3yqjkend
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 18, 2024
Most media sources are in agreement that Walker will not play in Week 3, even without official confirmation. His lack of meaningful progress at practice backs this up.
Kenneth Walker III Week 3 Fantasy Football Outlook
Given that he's unlikely to play, his Week 3 outlook is that you better hope you have a backup plan. Walker could easily miss more time. He missed two games with an oblique issue in 2023, and if it only took one game for him to reaggravate that issue, it could linger for even longer.
When Walker does see the field, though, he's always a must-start. He has a tantalizing combination of speed, burst, and elusiveness. He reached the highest speed of any running back and the second-highest overall in 2022, clocking 22.09 mph.
Kenneth Walker with a 74-yard TD run!
The rookie RB has 168 yards and 2 TDs on the ground.
And his Seahawks are blasting the Chargers, 37-16. 🏈 pic.twitter.com/wdPA7vQ6gz
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 23, 2022
Walker is one of the better running backs in the NFL for fantasy when healthy. He's a threat to score touchdowns in every game he plays in, and his volume in Week 1 suggests new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb believes he's talented enough for a workhorse role.
Kenneth Walker really started his jump from in between the 5 & 4 yard line.
This man FLEW into the end zone 🤣 pic.twitter.com/IIuFJE3XM8
— Seattle ON Tap (@SeattleONTap) September 10, 2024
While it's a blow to fantasy managers if Walker is unable to suit up for Week 3's contest against the Miami Dolphins, they can rest assured they have a fantastic running back when he's healthy and returns to play.
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