RENTON, Wash. – Following his absence in Sunday’s 30-18 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, it remains uncertain whether Ken Walker III will be ready to return when the Seattle Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football at Lumen Field.
Walker had played the entire game in a road win over the Jets two weeks ago but appeared on the Seahawks’ injury report last Wednesday with calf and ankle issues. He was limited in practice that day, missed the next two sessions, and was ultimately listed as questionable before being ruled out on Saturday.
During his Monday press conference, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald had no definitive updates on Walker’s condition, though he mentioned the team should have more clarity on his recovery in the next couple of days as preparations for the Packers begin.
“There’s some medical stuff that I don’t really know, but definitely it’s his calf at this point,” Macdonald said. “It’s not his ankle. In terms of his status right now, we’re not sure. There are some more tests that we’re doing right now, and we’ll hopefully know more over the next 24 to 48 hours.”
While Seattle hopes Walker will be available for the primetime game on Sunday, if he misses a second consecutive game, rookie Zach Charbonnet has stepped up admirably as the lead back. In his third start of the season against Arizona, Charbonnet rushed for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns, including a 51-yard run on a well-blocked counter trey. He forced six missed tackles and gained 125 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus.
In addition to his strong running performance, Charbonnet caught seven passes for 59 yards, serving as a reliable checkdown option for quarterback Geno Smith and picking up 20 yards on a screen pass.
“His full talents were on display,” Macdonald said of Charbonnet. “Out of the backfield, running the ball, he’s a threat in all areas. He made an incredible catch on a checkdown with three defenders around him. If he tips that ball, it could have been a turnover. His after-contact yards and productivity were really impressive.”
The Seahawks also received solid contributions from Kenny McIntosh in a backup role, with seven carries for 38 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He added two receptions for seven yards, performing well enough to earn more playing time as a change-of-pace back in Walker’s absence.
As for depth, undrafted rookie George Holani has one practice squad elevation remaining before needing to be signed to the 53-man roster. The Seahawks could activate him for the game against the Packers if necessary, though that decision won’t be made until Saturday.
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