Kenneth Walker III Cleared To Play, Could Take On A Smaller Role
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) has been removed from the final Week 16 injury report on Friday and will be active for Sunday's contest at Lumen Field against the visiting Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile, backfield mate Zach Charbonnet (oblique) was also cleared, so Seattle will have its top two RBs available this weekend. It's good news for the Seahawks, but bad news for fantasy managers that have one or both of Walker and Charbonnet rostered. Walker missed the last two weeks with his calf injury, which led to Charbonnet accumulating 188 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries while adding eight catches for 71 yards. For what it's worth, Seattle has since named Charbonnet a captain, meaning that Walker could see more of a reduced role in his return this weekend. Walker has been the clear lead runner when both backs have been healthy this year, but that could change against Minnesota.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) went from missing practice on Wednesday to practicing in full on Thursday, signaling he could be ready to return from a two-game absence to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Week 16. Meanwhile, Zach Charbonnet, who missed Wednesday with an oblique injury, was limited on Thursday. The way things are currently trending, it could be a worst-case scenario for fantasy managers that have one of or both Walker and Charbonnet rostered. Charbonnet saw 30 carries for 188 yards (6.27 yards per carry) and three touchdowns while adding eight catches for 71 yards the last two weeks with Walker sidelined. If Seattle has both Walker and Charbonnet active against Minnesota, this backfield could easily be split more in half with Walker returning, potentially lowering both RB's fantasy upside in an already bad matchup.
Kenneth Walker III Opens Week 16 With A Missed Practice
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has already missed two games in a row, and it now looks like there's a real chance he could miss a third. Losing Walker to an injury hurts by itself, but the Seahawks' backfield could get even more complicated if they are also without Zach Charbonnet (oblique), who didn't practice Wednesday. If Walker sits out Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, Charbonnet will remain the starter and a high-end fantasy RB2. However, if both Walker and Charbonnet end up sidelined, then Kenny McIntosh would be in line for a drastically expanded role out of the backfield. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for additional injury updates on Thursday.
Seahawks Optimistic Kenneth Walker III Will Return To Practice This Week
According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, the Seattle Seahawks remain optimistic regarding the status of their top running back, Kenneth Walker III (calf). Walker has sat out the past two games due to a calf injury but could be nearing a return. Head coach Mike Macdonald noted that the team remains "optimistic" when asked if Walker would return to practice this week. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status throughout the week as he may need to participate in numerous practice sessions to have a chance to return on Sunday. While sidelined, Zach Charbonnet has taken full control of the backfield, tallying 188 rushing yards and three scores over the past two games. If Walker can return on Sunday, he should viewed as a solid RB2 despite facing a tough Minnesota defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs.
Kenneth Walker III Feeling Good, Week 16 Status Up In The Air
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) went through a good workout on Monday and is feeling good, but his status for the Week 16 contest against the Minnesota Vikings is up in the air, according to head coach Mike Macdonald. "We'll see on Wednesday," Macdonald said. Walker has missed each of the last two games, so he's going to need to get back on the practice field this week for the first time since Dec. 4. We'll have a better idea of his availability for next weekend once the Seahawks begin practicing on Wednesday. If the 24-year-old doesn't make much progress and misses a third straight game, Zach Charbonnet would see lead-back duties yet again and would essentially be a must-start in fantasy lineups after going for 30 carries, 188 yards and three rushing TDs the last two weeks with Walker out. Charb has also caught eight of 11 targets for 71 yards.
Seahawks Hopeful Kenneth Walker III Will Return In Week 16
Per Kole Musgrove of USA Today, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is hopeful that running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) will be able to return for next Sunday's outing against the Minnesota Vikings. The third-year back has been shelved for a few weeks now since injuring his calf and ankle in Week 13's win over the New York Jets. While Walker has recovered from the ankle injury, he is still working through the calf issue. Backfield mate Zach Charbonnet has been effective in the 24-year-old's stead, piling up 259 yards and three touchdowns over the last two weeks. Charbonnet would be in store for a large workload again this weekend if Walker isn't able to suit up for the home tilt against the visiting Vikings, with teammates George Holani and Kenny McIntosh backing him up.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) will be inactive for Sunday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. The calf issue has hindered Walker over the last few weeks. It was enough to sideline him last Sunday against the Cardinals, and now, he'll be inactive again versus Green Bay. His absence opens the door for Zach Charbonnet to start at running back. Charbonnet took advantage of his increased role last weekend, totaling 134 rushing yards, seven catches, 59 receiving yards, and two touchdowns en route to being the highest-scoring running back in fantasy football. Even against a tougher defense in the Packers, Charbonnet should continue to be viewed as a low-end RB1 option.
According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Walker was unable to suit up last weekend and has been unable to return to practice this week. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status over the weekend but should plan on finding an alternative option as the Michigan State product is facing an uphill battle to suit up. Last weekend, Zach Charbonnet was given the starting nod and performed exceptionally well, tallying 134 yards and two scores on 22 attempts. He added 59 yards on seven receptions through the air. If Walker cannot suit up, fantasy managers should view Charbonnet as a consensus top-12 option facing a Green Bay defense that has allowed the 12th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) missed his second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. Walker was considered day-to-day earlier this week after missing the Week 14 divisional win over the Arizona Cardinals with a calf injury. The 24-year-old hasn't been ruled out for this Sunday night's primetime showdown against the Green Bay Packers, but it's starting to look more likely that he'll miss a second straight game. Making it even more difficult to roll the dice on Walker in starting fantasy lineups this week is the fact the Seahawks won't kick off until late Sunday night. If Walker is given a questionable tag, most fantasy managers will be forced into sitting him in the first round of the playoffs in most leagues. If Walker misses a second straight game, Zach Charbonnet could come to the rescue yet again after gaining 193 scrimmage yards with two TDs on 29 touches last week.
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (calf) was unable to get on the practice field on Wednesday. Walker appears to be in danger of missing another game due to a lingering calf issue. It's worth noting that head coach Mike Macdonald said Walker doesn't need to practice in order to suit up in Week 15. The absence of Walker would mean that Zach Charbonnet would see a high volume against the Green Bay Packers. Last week, Charbonnet rushed 22 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns in the win. He's looking like a strong RB1 if Walker is unable to go. Fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more updates throughout the week.
Kenneth Walker III
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Seahawks
