Seahawks' Kenneth Walker III Put on IR with Ankle Injury amid NFL Playoffs Push

The Seattle Seahawks will enter a crucial end to the season without their top tailback.

Brady Henderson of ESPN reported that the Seahawks had placed running back Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve, which means he is gone for at least four games.

Walker exited Seattle's Week 16 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings with an ankle injury. He did not return in the 27-24 loss and has been listed as a non-participant in practice this week.

Walker has 153 carries for 573 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games in 2024. He has dealt with an oblique injury and a calf injury this season and had missed a total of four games prior to the latest injury. He is currently Seattle's leading rusher.

His absence will be felt as the Seahawks are 8-7 and fighting for the NFC West Division title with the Los Angeles Rams. They will need some help to overtake the Rams but not having Walker available will impact the run game and cause the offense to rely on backup Zach Charbonnet to carry the load.

Other depth running back options for Seattle will be Kenny McIntosh and the recently elevated George Holani. The Seahawks face the Chicago Bears in Week 17 before a matchup against the Rams in Week 18.