Kenneth Walker III injury update: Seahawks RB leaves game vs. Rams with oblique injury

Kyle Irving

Kenneth Walker III injury update: Seahawks RB leaves game vs. Rams with oblique injury image

It appears the Seahawks will be without their starting running back for the remainder of their Week 11 matchup against the Rams.

Kenneth Walker III left the game with an oblique injury in the first quarter and has been ruled doubtful to return. Walker has been a stud for Seattle this season, tallying 595 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns to go with 175 receiving yards, 16 receptions and one receiving touchdown.

The Seahawks will now rely on rookie running back Zach Charbonnet — their second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft — to carry the load.

MORE: Updated NFL standings, playoff picture for Week 11

How serious is Walker's injury and when could he return? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.

What is Kenneth Walker III's injury?

Walker was seen holding his side during a run in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Rams.

Walker took a carry up the middle and was wincing in pain before he was even touched by an opposing player. He left the game immediately and was diagnosed with an oblique injury.

Walker only had four carries for 18 yards and one reception for -2 yards upon his exit.

According to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, Walker was diagnosed with a strained oblique.

How long will Kenneth Walker III be out?

Walker has been ruled doubtful to return to Sunday's contest against the Rams.

Check back for updates as they become available.

Seahawks RB depth chart

  1. Kenneth Walker III (injured)
  2. DeeJay Dallas
  3. Zach Charbonnet
  4. Kenny McIntosh

Dallas is the next RB in line on Seattle's depth chart but expect Charbonnet to handle the bulk of the carries in Walker's absence. The Seahawks selected Charbonnet out of UCLA with their second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Charbonnet has been Walker's backup all season. Dallas only has five carries for 14 yards on the year, while the rookie RB has 38 carries for 214 yards. Charbonnet has also been active as a pass-catcher, tallying 70 yards on 13 receptions. 

Seahawks schedule 2023

Date Week Opponent Time (ET) TV Channel
Nov. 23 12 vs. 49ers (Thanksgiving) 8:20 p.m. NBC
Nov. 30 13 at Cowboys (TNF) 8:15 p.m. Amazon Prime
Dec. 10 14 at 49ers 4:05 p.m. FOX
Dec. 17 15 vs. Eagles  4:25 p.m. FOX
Dec. 24 16 at Titans 1 p.m. CBS
Dec. 31 17 vs. Steelers 4:05 p.m. FOX
TBD 18 at Cardinals TBD TBD

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.