Seahawks RB Injury News Brings Optimism to Kenneth Walker III Fantasy Football Owners

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Sep 21, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to find consistency at the running back position since the departure of franchise legend Marshawn Lynch.

They’ve had a carousel of backs roll through the city, but it seems like they’ve finally found a combination that works, or at the very least has promise.

The Seahawks drafted running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet in the second round of back-to-back drafts in 2022 and 2023.

Walker III is believed to possess much more talent, but the two players have been in a committee for the last two seasons, and this year, Charbonnet has gotten the bulk of the carries.

Walker III’s fantasy football managers were disappointed after last week’s game when he rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries, but received less touches than Charbonnet.

Nobody likes to see injuries, but with Seattle listing the latter running back as doubtful for today’s game against the New Orleans Saints, it looks like Walker III will have a chance to regain his status as the lead back.

Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet is doubtful to play Sunday against the Saints.

It’s workhorse Ken Walker time
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 19, 2025

He came out of college as a quick, explosive weapon out of the backfield with some receiving upside, but injuries have slowed him down a bit over the past two seasons.

After finishing as a top 20 running back in fantasy in each of his first two years, he dropped down to RB25 in an injury-riddled 2024 season.

He seems rejuvenated after a slow start to this year, finishing as the RB5 last week against a stout Pittsburgh Steelers run defense. With his touches limited, it makes you wonder what type of production he could have had if he was the full-time starter.

Walker III Future Fantasy Outlook

The reality of the young star’s situation is that we don’t know whether the Seahawks will increase his touches, but another strong performance in Charbonnet’s expected absence would be vital to making that happen.

He had an abysmal performance against Pittsburgh, totaling just 10 yards on 15 carries, so one would think Seattle doesn’t feel obligated to feed him.

The Saints defense is no pushover, so Walker III has his work cut out for him, but this could be the week he returns to his elite fantasy form. If he is on your roster, be happy, and if he isn’t, it would be wise to trade for him before the price skyrockets.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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