Strange explanation for Kenneth Walker III's absences is a big relief

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Andy Reid's strange explanation for Kenneth Walker III's practice absences is a big relief for Chiefs fans

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Aug 26, 2026 5:06 PM ET

Someone find Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III a new pair of cleats.

Walker missed practice on Tuesday because of a foot issue, sparking concerns. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid alleviated them during his Wednesday news conference, saying the RB sat out practice due to a shoe issue. It sidelined him Wednesday as well.

Reid said Walker's shoes were too small, causing his ankle to swell. Sounds like the RB should soon make a trip to Dick's Sporting Goods. Yes, most of its items are overpriced, but quarterback Patrick Mahomes or tight end Travis Kelce could score him a sweet deal.

Chiefs fans will be relieved to hear that Walker, who signed a three-year, $43.05M deal with the team this offseason, should be fine. The prized free-agent addition is set to play a pivotal role for the team this upcoming season.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on RB Kenneth Walker's foot injury: "His shoe has been causing some swelling on his ankle. We're trying to get that down. He's going to be OK."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) August 26, 2026

Why Kenneth Walker III update is a relief for Chiefs fans

In 2025, the Chiefs, who have won three Super Bowls since 2019, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 after going 6-11 and finishing third in the AFC West, behind the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) and Denver Broncos (14-3).

One reason Kansas City regressed was its lackluster ground attack. In 2025, the Chiefs ranked 24th in the league in rushing yards (106.6 per game). RB Kareem Hunt led the team in rushing yards (611 in 17 games).

Walker should help the Chiefs solve this problem. In 17 regular-season games with the Seattle Seahawks, the fifth-year RB ran for 1,027 yards (No. 16 in the NFL), the second most in his career. He ran for 135 yards on 27 carries in Seattle's 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, becoming the first RB to win the game's MVP since Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis in Super Bowl XXXII.

Kenneth Walker finds space for 30 yards!

Super Bowl LX on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/IsQkiEskFp
— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2026

Back-to-back big runs from Kenneth Walker

Super Bowl LX on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/BKFWW8PAkP
— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2026

An improved run game will be important for Mahomes, who may not improvise as much in 2026 after suffering an ACL/LCL tear in his left knee in December 2025. Pro Football Reference credited Mahomes with 376 play-action passing yards last season (No. 27 in NFL). Seahawks QB Sam Darnold, meanwhile, had the third-most (1,394). Clearly, he was a beneficiary of Walker.

The Chiefs selected Nebraska Cornhuskers RB Emmett Johnson with pick No. 161 in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he has rushed for just 25 yards on seven carries (3.6 yards per carry, below average) in the preseason. Kansas City better ensure Walker's next pair of cleats are plenty comfy. Without him, its rushing attack may fizzle again.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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