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The Seattle Seahawks bolstered their running back room this April by drafting Kenneth Walker III out of Michigan State. The second-round pick had been competing with veteran Rashaad Penny for the team's starting job, but in August it was reported that Walker underwent surgery to repair what was likely a hernia. As a result, the rookie has been unable to practice or play in preseason games during his recovery.
With the preseason now complete and the regular season opener quickly approaching, Walker has still not returned to practice. The Seahawks backfield was already shaping up to be a difficult one for fantasy managers to navigate, but this injury news complicates the situation further. It is important for fantasy managers to have the most up-to-date information on Walker and his injury status, so let's look further into when he is likely to return to the field.
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Is Kenneth Walker III Playing In Week 1 Against the Broncos?
The most recent update that Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has offered on Walker was that he was "still tender" and that there was no timetable for his return.
Pete Carroll says there's no timetable for RB Kenneth Walker III's return from a procedure that was, or wasn't, a hernia procedure. https://t.co/tp3i5oV7gL
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 22, 2022
This does not seem particularly promising for Walker's prospects for Week 1. However, this update was back on August 21, so it is possible Walker has made progress in his recovery since then. Moreover, the original reports of the injury suggested there was a strong chance he would be available for the season opener against Denver.
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.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2022
The only conclusion here is that no one really knows what Walker's availability will be for Week 1. Given that Carroll seemed more pessimistic regarding Walker's recovery in the later update than in the original one, fantasy managers should prepare for the possibility Walker will miss some regular season games.
There should still be several updates in the coming days regarding Walker's status. Fantasy managers who have draft dates on Labor Day weekend should be better informed about the situation.
Is Kenneth Walker III Worth Drafting in Fantasy Football?
Walker has an ADP of RB39 on ESPN, and he's going as the RB30 on Sleeper. In the latest edition of the RotoBaller PPR rankings, Walker is the RB33, so these ADPs are right in line with his value. Coming off of a dominant season at Michigan State with 1,725 scrimmage yards and 19 total touchdowns, Walker is one of the most highly touted rookie prospects in fantasy football.
Kenneth Walker III was a tackle-breaking MACHINE last season ? pic.twitter.com/wuHFMwEF7L
— PFF (@PFF) April 16, 2022
When healthy, Walker will be vying with Rashaad Penny for opportunities in the Seattle backfield. Penny broke out late last season; in four of his final five games, he rushed for 135+ yards. Thus, Walker is far from a sure bet to win this battle. Nonetheless, Walker runs a 4.38 40-yard dash at 211 pounds, providing elite athleticism to this Seahawks team. The Seahawks are projected to struggle this season though, so both running backs may face unfavorable game scripts.
The final verdict is that Walker is worth consideration in the RB3/4 range. He and Penny will both split the opportunities available in Seattle, of which there could be frustratingly few. Both are talented backs though, and Walker is capable of turning a poor situation into solid fantasy production.
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