Tag: Kenneth Walker III

Seahawks vs Bills injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 8

All the latest updates and news on the Seahawks injury report ahead of a Week 8 game vs. Bills

The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for a Week 8 home showdown against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. It will be Buffalo’s first visit to the Pacific Northwest since the 2016 season. Seattle got some good injury news related to their right tackles, as Abe Lucas and George Fant are back at practice. Unfortunately, they did have to place Stone Forsythe on injured reserve as well.

For Wednesday’s practice, plenty of key names did not participate, such as wide receiver DK Metcalf. Against the Falcons last week, Metcalf suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain, and is considered week-to-week. He did not practice, nor did Kenneth Walker III who is apparently still dealing with an illness.

The full injury report for Wednesday’s practice can be seen below.

Seahawks injury report

Did Not Participate:

  • WR DK Metcalf – Knee
  • CB Tre Brown – Ankle
  • DE Leonard Williams – Knee/NIR-Rest
  • CB Nehemiah Pritchett – Ankle
  • RB Kenneth Walker III – Illness

Limited Participation:

  • T George Fant – Knee
  • T Abe Lucas – Knee
  • CB Riq Woolen – Ankle
  • S Julian Love – Knee/Quad
  • NT Cameron Young – Knee
  • DE Mike Morris – Ankle

Full Participation: 

  • TE Brady Russell – Shoulder
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee
  • S Jerrick Reed II

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Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest graded players in Week 7 according to PFF

Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest graded players in Week 7 according to PFF

Several Seattle Seahawks players put forth excellent performances in Sunday’s dominant 34-14 Week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Each week, Pro Football Focus grades every qualifying player in the league. This week, the following Seahawks talents were the five highest-graded performers.

Kenneth Walker III | 87.7

Kenneth Walker III was outstanding on Sunday, rushing for 69 yards and a touchdown via 14 carries en route to averaging an effective 4.9 yards per carry. The dual-threat Walker also added two receptions for 24 yards and an additional score to his offensive totals. Seattle’s excellent running back was understandably their highest-graded player.

Derick Hall | 87.7

Derick Hall didn’t record a sack on Sunday despite already having five QB takedowns this campaign. That doesn’t mean the former Auburn standout didn’t make an impact. Hall returned a 36-yard fumble recovery on a Boye Mafe strip-sack for his first career touchdown. He also recorded four pressures.

DK Metcalf | 80.6

DK Metcalf suffered a knee injury in the victory, but he still managed to make a massive impact. The rocked-up Metcalf recorded four receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown, and even caught Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s first career passing attempt. We’ll monitor Seattle’s WR1 and his injury status ahead of a matchup with the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.

Julian Love | 79.1

With Rayshawn Jenkins on IR, and various other secondary defenders sidelined, including Riq Woolen, the Seahawks were counting on receiving a consistent performance from veteran safety Julian Love. That’s exactly what they got. Love totaled nine tackles, and more importantly, recorded his second interception of the season.

Tyler Lockett | 77.8

Tyler Lockett continues to be ole reliable. The 2015 draftee hauled in four receptions for 45 receiving yards. Lockett has recorded 45-plus receiving yards in every contest this season, minus the Week 2 win over the New England Patriots. When Geno Smith is in a bind, he scans the field for his most consistent receiving threat.

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Seahawks snap losing streak, defeat Falcons 34-14

Seahawks snap losing streak, defeat Falcons 34-14

The Seattle Seahawks are finally off the schneid! After losing their last three-straight games, Seattle is finally back in the win column with a dominant 34-14 road victory over the Falcons. It was easily their most complete game of the season.

Atlanta had been one of the hotter teams in football as of late, as they had won their previous three games, including last week’s by a blowout. However, against the Seahawks, they could not really find their footing.

Seattle quickly built up a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter. The Falcons were able to make it 10-7, but right before the half expired the Seahawks made it a 10-point game once more thanks to Geno Smith finding DK Metcalf for a 31-yard touchdown. Atlanta did manage to pull within three once more, making it a 17-14 game in the third quarter… but that was as close as they would get for the remainder of the outing.

Seattle responded by Smith finding the birthday man himself, Kenneth Walker, for a 17-yard receiving touchdown. Once more, it was a 10-point game at 24-14, and the Seahawks poured it on from there.

Atlanta’s first three drives of the fourth quarter all ended in disaster. At midfield, Boye Mafe forced a fumble of Kirk Cousins, and Derick Hall scooped the ball up for a 64-yard touchdown to make it 31-14. On the ensuing drive for the Falcons, Cousins pass bounced off wide receiver Drake London’s hands and into Julian Love’s… who secured his first interception since Week 1.

Seattle turned that interception into three more points. Finally, the last Falcons drive Cousins led was once again ended abruptly thanks to a Coby Bryant interception… his first in his career. After that, rookie Michael Penix Jr. took over and had his first regular season snaps of his career. The game was effectively over by this point.

The Seahawks secured a much-needed win, stopping the bleed. They improve to 4-3, and keep pace with the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, depending on how San Francisco’s game against Kansas City plays out, Seattle could theoretically move back into sole possession. However, that is merely a hypothetical. What matters is they did not lose any ground.

Geno Smith was highly efficient, completing 18-of-28 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns. Walker had 69 yards and two total touchdowns, and DK Metcalf led the team with 99 receiving yards and a score.

Next up: a return to Lumen Field to host the Buffalo Bills. At the moment, they have a multiple score lead over the Tennessee Titans late in the fourth quarter. Assuming the Bills can hang on, they will improve to 5-2, giving the Seahawks another considerable challenge.

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First half highlights: Seahawks lead Falcons 17-7

First half highlights: Seahawks lead Falcons 17-7

The Seattle Seahawks have had their best first half of football in nearly a month, as they lead the Atlanta Falcons XX-7 on the road. Seattle started the game strong with an opening drive field goal, which should have been a touchdown if it wasn’t for a meddling holding call. Still, the Seahawks took a 3-0 lead.

Seattle’s defense held Atlanta to a punt, then a missed field goal, and eventually the Hawks offense found the end zone with a Kenneth Walker III touchdown. The 20-yard touchdown was scored by Walker on his birthday!

The Falcons answered the Walker touchdown of their own, cutting Seattle’s lead to 10-7 in the second quarter. Seattle had a few more fireworks, such as this trick play from Jaxon Smith-Njigba to DK Metcalf.

Unfortunately, the Seahawks could not get much out of this, as penalties and sacks forced a punt. Seattle’s protection has been weak, as usual, as Geno Smith has been pressured the entire game. However, the Seahawks have been able to get to Kirk Cousins as well, such as this sack from Leonard Williams.

But the Seahawks were not done. Seattle took advantage of one final drive before the half expired, with barely over a minute left. Facing a third-and-15 with mere seconds on the clock, Geno Smith uncorked and hit DK Metcalf for a 31-yard touchdown to give the Seahawks a 17-7 lead just before halftime.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game.

Watch: Kenneth Walker III scores a touchdown on his birthday

Watch: Kenneth Walker III scores a touchdown on his birthday

The Seahawks have taken an early lead on the Atlanta Falcons, thanks to running back Kenneth Walker III… on his birthday no less!

Usually on ones birthday, the custom is obviously to give gifts to the one who’s birth we’re celebrating. Well, Walker decided to reverse the trend and give the Seahawks – and the 12th Man – a gift of his own.

This gift came in the form of a touchdown to help extend Seattle’s lead to 10-0 early in the second quarter. Walker’s 20-yard scamper is his sixth of the season, and a much needed one.

Walker was listed as QUESTIONABLE headed into this game due to illness. Thankfully, he was able to get over it enough to play. At the time this article was published, the Falcons did manage to respond to Walker’s score with one of their own, but Seattle still leads 10-7.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game.

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Happy birthday to Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III

Happy birthday to Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III

Happy birthday to Seattle Seahawks star running back Kenneth Walker! The Seahawks key offensive player has officially turned 24 years old today. To celebrate, the former Michigan State standout is gearing up to play the Atlanta Falcons. Over the weekend, Walker was downgraded to QUESTIONABLE due to an illness. However, it appears he is over it enough to suit up and will be active.

Walker brings another edge to Seattle’s offense when he is in the lineup. He is a threat to take the ball to the house on every touch it feels like. Without him, the Seahawks get far too one dimensional on that side of the ball.

On the year, Walker has rushed for 234 yards and five touchdowns. That is of course after missing two games due to injury, and one game against the Giants when offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb inexplicably refused to run the ball in any capacity.

If the Seahawks want to pull off a road upset over the Falcons, they will need to get Walker going. Seattle’s defense is ailing, and even when they are healthy, they struggle to get off the field. Seattle’s best chance will be to control the clock and keep Atlanta’s offense planted on the sideline.

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Seahawks should get RB Kenneth Walker involved in passing game vs. Falcons

Seahawks should get RB Kenneth Walker involved in passing game vs. Falcons

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has been productive in the passing game this season. Despite missing two contests due to injury, Mike Macdonald’s dual-threat back has produced 21 receptions on 24 targets for 136 yards in four appearances. Averaging six passing targets per game, Walker actually ranks first among all running backs in targets per game this season.

Sunday’s Week 7 opponent is the Atlanta Falcons. Raheem Morris’ defense has struggled when tasked with defending running backs in the passing game. The Falcons defense ranks 26th in targets allowed to opposing running backs, according to Pro Football Focus.

It’s a surprising stat considering Atlanta’s pass defense currently ranks ninth in yards allowed per game (193). If the likes of D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba struggle to create separation on Sunday, starting quarterback Geno Smith should target Walker early and often versus a defense that struggles to cover running backs coming out of the backfield.

Seattle’s passing attack currently sits atop the entire league at 276.7 yards per outing. Walker recorded a season-high eight receptions for 37 yards the last time out versus the San Francisco 49ers. His passing-game involvement should be in that same neighborhood against the Falcons on Sunday.

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Week 6 preview and prediction: Seahawks vs 49ers

Week 6 preview and prediction: Seahawks vs 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks are in the first losing streak of the Mike Macdonald era. They will look to get off the schneid on Thursday night against the 2-3 San Francisco 49ers – a team they have lost to for five-straight games.

Despite the recent success San Francisco has had against Seattle, judging by fans online it does not seem as if anyone is too confident in their team… on either side. Currently, the Seahawks remain in first place in the NFC West, but they mainly have the Arizona Cardinals to thank for this. Arizona upset the heavily injured 49ers 24-23 on Sunday, keeping Seattle on top of the division despite their own brutal loss.

San Francisco has become a walking wounded squad. Star defensive lineman Javon Hargrave has been lost for the year, and the reigning Offensive Player of the Year in Christian McCaffrey is still on injured reserve. The Niners have struggled in the red zone this season without McCaffrey, but they are still able to run the ball well behind the legs of Jordan Mason.

Unfortunately, Seattle’s weaknesses along their own defensive front in regards to stopping the run. The Giants gashed them for 175 yards as a team on Sunday, and rookie Byron Murphy II will be missing his third-straight game.

However, the Niners have equal vulnerability on the ground. They key for Seattle is if they will be able to get their own rushing attack going. On Sunday, the Seahawks ran 58 plays and only seven were called runs. This is unacceptable with a healthy Kenneth Walker III in the mix, especially when the game against the Giants was either tied or within a score for three full quarters.

Being able to establish the run will be crucial for a Seahawks offensive line struggling mightily to protect Geno Smith. Having the men up front move forward more than backwards, taking pressure off themselves and their quarterback. The Niners may not have Hargrave, but Nick Bosa is more than terrifying enough.

Seattle’s defense may not be as injured as they were against the Lions, but they will be without cornerback Riq Woolen. They will have Boye Mafe back to help bring pressure to Brock Purdy, but San Francisco has too many weapons for a shorthanded secondary.

The 49ers are desperate. They are a veteran team with a well-established system and culture. Seattle could make this more competitive than they have in the last five meetings, but San Francisco is still a touch matchup.

Prediction: 49ers over Seahawks 28-21

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks RB Kenenth Walker vs. 49ers

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks RB Kenenth Walker vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb have spent the entire week leading up Thursday night’s NFC West showdown game versus the San Francisco 49ers talking about getting running back Kenneth Walker more involved on offense. Walker saw a season-low five carries in last weekend’s disappointing defeat to the New York Giants.

Walker rushed for 19 yards and received just a handful of opportunities despite the Seahawks being tied 10-10 at halftime. Macdonald’s squad never trailed by more than one possession until the final minute of the fourth quarter. Despite that, Walker was largely neglected.

With Walker supposedly being heavily involved in the game-plan for Thursday’s divisional game versus the rival 49ers, we’ve cooked up three bold predictions for his statline.

Walker sees a season-high amount of carries

Walker saw a season-high 20 carries in the Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. He was then sidelined by injury, and returned to a 12-carry workload against the Detroit Lions in primetime before the inexcusable five-carry showing versus the Giants. With Walker being a focal point of Grubb’s attack, he should easily surpass his previous personal-high 20 carries on Thursday night.

Walker rushes for 100-plus yards

Walker rushed for 103 yards against the Broncos, and nearly reached triple digits again versus the Lions (80). The former Michigan State standout rushed for 100-plus yards just once last season, but his current form indicates more success is on the horizon. It’ll be tough sledding versus a ninth-ranked 49ers defense allowing 110.8 rushing yards per game, but Walker’s potential volume indicates he could cross the 100 yard rushing mark.

Walker scores a rushing touchdown

Walker scored a rushing touchdown against the Broncos, adding three more scores versus the Lions. He didn’t score against the Giants, but that could be chalked up to receiving five carries. Walker’s sizable workload against San Francisco should help the versatile ball-carrier visit the end zone.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald says the team needs to get Kenneth Walker III the ball more

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald says the team needs to get Kenneth Walker III the ball more

Easily the most frustrating aspect of the Seattle Seahawks brutal 29-20 loss to the New York Giants was the fact the team simply refused to run the ball. An entirely head-scratching decision, especially considering star running back Kenneth Walker III was healthy.

Seattle ran 58 plays, but only seven were traditional/designed runs. Kenneth Walker III only touched the ball five times for 19 yards. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald agreed it was an issue during his usual postgame press conference.

“That’s a fair question,” Macdonald stated when asked about the lack of anything resembling a run game. “We definitely need to get the run game going. The way the game started we were thinking about trying to get Geno going early. And I’m not sure how many plays we had (in) the first half, but it wasn’t many. The game started to kind of get out of hand there. We had to get going. You’re right, we need to get the run game going, we need to get Ken (Walker III) the ball more”

It’s great to hear accountability from the head coach on a major flaw from the game, and 12’s everywhere should have confidence Macdonald and his staff are going to correct the issue. But his explanation of “the game started to kind of get out of hand” does not add up at all.

At halftime, the score was 10-10 after being tied at 7-7 for most of the first two quarters. Then it was 17-10, followed by 17-13, and later 20-13 headed into the fourth quarter. This game was either tied or within a single score for literally three full quarters of play, not some blowout where Seattle fell behind early and had to claw their way back in by leaning heavy on the pass.

I know plenty of fans online were not thrilled when former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll had such an emphasis on establishing the run, often making jokes at his expense. But this is absolutely what Seattle needs to be doing with this offense, to help relieve stress from Geno Smith and the atrocious offensive line. The Seahawks cannot afford to willingly become one-dimensional with a healthy Kenneth Walker III at their disposal.

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