NFL insider provides update following Seahawks Kenneth Walker's surgery

Seattle Seahawks rookie running back Kenneth Walker III underwent surgery recently, and fans of the team feared the worst. However, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, it is not all gloom and doom for the former Michigan State Spartan, as he provided this update on the rookie.

“My understanding is that #Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker underwent surgery to repair a hernia — not what is sometimes called a ‘sports hernia’ or core muscle injury — and he’s expected to make a full recovery. The plan is for him to be out there Week 1 if all goes well,” wrote Rapoport via Twitter.

Walker III quickly made a name for himself while serving as the primary running back at Michigan State – and rightfully so. A 5-foot-10, 210-pound back, Walker rushed for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns in just one season with the Spartans after transferring from Wake Forest. For his college career, Walker tallied 2,794 total rushing yards and 35 touchdowns over three seasons.

The Seahawks selected him with the No. 41 overall in the second round. After being picked up by Seattle, head coach Pete Carroll explained the decision to draft Walker highlighting his versatile running style in the Spartans pro-style offense.

With Walker undergoing surgery to repair a hernia, his recovery time will likely be half that for a ‘sports hernia.’ The latter usually takes a minimum of six weeks to recover.

The Seahawks have not had good news when it comes to the running back position this offseason. In July, veteran running back Chris Carson announced his retirement from the NFL due to a neck injury. With Walker out recovering from surgery, Seattle’s options at running back are tighter than they expected but still manageable. Heading into the preseason, fifth-year running back Rashaad Penny was listed as starting running back on the depth chart. The Seahawks also have Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas on the roster.