The Seattle Seahawks are going to have to find a way into the playoffs without the help of their starting running back. On Thursday afternoon, the team announced they were placing Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve. Walker was already ruled OUT for the Week 17 game against the Chicago Bears tonight, but this news now means he will miss at least the next four games.
Technically speaking, this does not necessarily end Walker’s 2024 season. Should the Seahawks find a way to win the NFC West, and win two playoff games – which would get them to the NFC Championship – Walker would be eligible to return. Before you roll your eyes, crazier things have happened in this league.
However, this is of course the most unlikeliest of outcomes, and what is guaranteed is the fact they will not have Walker tonight or their Week 18 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Should Seattle defeat the Bears and the Cardinals upset the Rams, the regular season finale at SoFi Stadium next week will be to win the division.
To take the place of the injured Walker, the Seahawks signed running back George Holani from the practice squad.
If this is truly the end of the road for Walker this year, and it very well could be, he will finish the season with career-lows in rushing yards (573), rushing attempts (153), rushing touchdowns (7) and games played (11). The sole consolation is he did set a career-best with 46 receptions for 299 receiving yards.
The Seahawks will get the ball to start the second half. Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game!