Another weekend of NFL football has arrived! Unfortunately, the injury watch for fantasy football managers is also here, and that is the case for Kenneth Walker III. Players who appear on the injury report and haven’t practiced much during the week can often lead to trepidation for managers trying to make fantasy football lineup decisions and/or waiver claims. Don’t fret, though – FantasyPros is here to provide you with all of the latest news and updates on the players who are questionable heading into this week. So, will Kenneth Walker III play in Week 2? Here’s what we know.
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Fantasy Football Injury Outlook: Kenneth Walker III
Will Kenneth Walker III play Week 2?
Kenneth Walker III (oblique) doubtful to play Week 2
The Seattle Seahawks are listing RB Kenneth Walker III as doubtful to play in Week 2 versus the New England Patriots with an oblique injury.
Fantasy Impact
While the official practice participation result for Friday’s session has not yet been released, it has been announced that Walker is doubtful to play after opening the week with consecutive DNPs (did not participate). Doubtful is often as good as out in the NFL, so Zach Charbonnet should be expected to take over the role as the team’s RB1 in Week 2 in a game where Seattle is favored on the road. Kenny McIntosh could fill in as the team’s RB2, and George Holani could be activated from the practice squad.
Jordan Epp – Jepp Sports
Kenneth Walker III (oblique) misses practice Wednesday
Seattle Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III missed practice on Wednesday with an oblique injury following his early exit on Sunday in Week 1.
Fantasy Impact
Walker cited his early exit as being an abdomen injury, and while the first day of practice is not often the most indicative, it’s not a good start for his prospects for Week 2. If he can progress to a limited participation on Thursday there is a chance he could be ready, but if Walker (20-103-1 in Week 1) misses at least a week, that paves the way for Zach Charbonnet (8-12-0 with a 30-yard receiving TD) to take over the leading role in the backfield in Week 2.
Jordan Epp – Jepp Sports
What the Experts Are Saying
Walker finished Week 1 as the RB9 in fantasy, playing 66% of the snaps with 22 touches and 109 total yards. Among 34 qualifying backs, he ranked eighth in explosive run rate, seventh in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 12th in yards after contact per attempt. Assuming he’s good to go for Week 2 after sustaining an abdominal injury, he should be the clear workhorse again versus the Patriots. Last week, New England allowed the 13th-lowest missed tackle rate while ranking 15th in yards after contact per attempt permitted. While they might not be elite as a run defense this year, they still likely aren’t a pushover. This is a tougher matchup for Walker in Week 2. Last year, the Patriots allowed the second-lowest explosive run rate and the lowest missed tackle rate and yards after contact per attempt. If Walker sees a workload similar to that of Week 1, he should still pay off for fantasy.
– Derek Brown
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