Kenneth Walker III's injury could cost him Seahawks starting running back spot
It would have been difficult to foresee anyone other than Kenneth Walker III leading the Seahawks backfield in 2023 as he enjoyed a superb rookie season last year. However, it became clear when the Seahawks selected Zach Charbonnet in the second round that he would have competition for carries, and the latest odds surrounding that […]
It would have been difficult to foresee anyone other than Kenneth Walker III leading the Seahawks backfield in 2023 as he enjoyed a superb rookie season last year.
However, it became clear when the Seahawks selected Zach Charbonnet in the second round that he would have competition for carries, and the latest odds surrounding that battle suggest he is at risk of losing his starting job.
SportsBetting.ag released odds for the Seahawks back with the most carries in Week 1, with Walker and Charbonnet level at -110.
The reason behind that tie is likely not related to anything the former UCLA back has done on the practice field. Instead, it is probably tied to Walker's struggles in returning to the field.
Walker remains out with a groin injury. Each of Seattle's top three backs have dealt with injuries during training camp. Charbonnet has only recently returned from a shoulder injury and seventh-round rookie Kenny McIntosh is set to miss a couple of weeks with a knee sprain.
But Walker's is the most consequential as it is giving Charbonnet an opportunity to hoard the first-team reps and get more and more acclimated to the offense.
That acclimation should ease the transition for a running back who rushed for 2,496 yards and 27 touchdowns over the course of his two seasons with the Bruins.
Charbonnet has an intriguing blend of patience, power and elusiveness that figures to set him up well for success at the highest level. The path to that success will be much smoother the longer Walker is out of the picture.
When both are healthy, the most likely outcome in the Seattle backfield is a timeshare between Walker and Charbonnet.
However, the best ability is availability and right now Walker's lack of it is giving the edge to Charbonnet in terms of being ready for the season opener with the Rams.
The Seahawks know they may need several backs to contribute over the course of a full season, so their appetite to risk giving Walker the bulk of the carries in Week 1 coming off a prolonged absence from a groin injury would be slim. In that sense, the odds make sense.
Pete Carroll relieved as Seahawks rookie avoids serious injury
He should be ready for the regular season.
Featured Image Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
