Seattle Seahawks place Kenneth Walker on injured reserve

Still fighting for a spot in the playoffs, the Seattle Seahawks will have to finish out the regular season without one of their top playmakers. Running back Kenneth Walker has been placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury Sunday against Minnesota.

Walker’s regular season is done and will not be eligible to return until well into the playoffs, most likely around the NFC Championship Game. Seattle faces Chicago on Thursday Night Football, needing a win to keep slim odds of making the NFC field alive.

“Seahawks placed RB Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve, the result of an ankle injury he suffered late in last weekend’s game,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said via X.

Just 11 games were played by Walker this season, dealing with injuries throughout. His numbers were not what we had been accustomed to during his previous two years. Walker ran for 573 yards and seven touchdowns on 153 carries while averaging under 4.0 yards per carry for the first time in his career.

Zach Charbonnet will take over as Seattle’s main running back. Rookie George Holani has been signed off the practice squad as well, potentially making his fourth-ever appearance with the team against Chicago.

The Seahawks currently have just a 14% chance of making the playoffs. Even with a win against the Bears, Seattle would see their odds bump up by one to 15%. Two consecutive losses have put them in the position.

Even so, people inside the organization know all they can do is try to get a win on Thursday.

“We all understand what situation we’re in, the focus is on going to win this football game,” head coach Mike Macdonald said. “So do what it takes to do that and play our best football, that’s what we’re focused on right now.”

There is still a chance to win the NFC West, with the Los Angeles Rams currently having control of the situation. Seattle will head to SoFi Stadium on the final day of the regular season, potentially figuring out who gets the division crown and a home game when the playoffs begin.

Unfortunately, all of this will be done without Walker. The running back will treat his ankle and be prepared in case there is a surprising playoff run from his teammates.