Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a groin injury sustained in Friday’s practice.
Groin Injury Forces Late Lineup Change
The Kansas City Chiefs ruled out Kenneth Walker III for Sunday’s matchup at the Atlanta Falcons after the running back reported tightness in his groin on Friday.
Walker enters the weekend ranked second in the NFL with 872 rushing yards across eight games, averaging a league-leading 109 yards per contest while adding seven rushing touchdowns. The reigning Super Bowl MVP joined the Chiefs in free agency on a three-year contract worth $43.05 million following his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, quickly establishing himself as the focal point of Kansas City’s offense.
Chiefs star RB Kenneth Walker III suffered a “minor” groin injury in practice Thursday that isn’t expected to be any type of long-term issue, per sources. But Kansas City will play it safe and he’s not expected to play Sunday. pic.twitter.com/gwTjN43QeL
“We’re feeling it out just to see. We’re not going to put him at risk,” Chiefs head coach, Andy Reid said. “If he can go, he’ll go. If he can’t, he can’t.”
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Walker is not expected to play in Week 10 because of too quick of a turnaround.
On Friday, Walker was newly added to the injury report after informing the team of groin tightness, with head coach Andy Reid mentioning that the running back experienced the issue prior to the week’s concluding practice. The Chiefs are hopeful that resting Walker III this week will ensure his availability for the following Sunday’s game against the Cardinals. Through eight games, Walker has recorded 872 rushing yards at 5.48 yards per carry, along with 11 total touchdowns, giving him 1,044 all-purpose yards with a career-high 11 touchdowns overall.
He also has 26 receptions for 172 receiving yards and four receiving scores. Before he was sidelined, Walker tallied 313 yards and four touchdowns on 65 carries over three games, a stretch that included securing Super Bowl MVP recognition after a 135-yard, 27-carry performance during a 29-13 victory over the Patriots.
He missed practice Friday with a sore groin, leaving his status in question for the weekend trip to Atlanta. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Chiefs want to give him a week to recover.
Rookie Emmett Johnson Steps Into Lead Role
With Walker sidelined, rookie running back Emmett Johnson is in line to handle the lead role in Atlanta. The fifth-round draft pick out of Nebraska has recorded 26 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown alongside 14 receptions for 237 yards and another score through eight games.
-Chiefs awaiting word on Kenneth Walker -Deshaun Watson back -How Jacoby Brissett transitioned to Baltimore@SportsCenter with @garystriewski pic.twitter.com/2JJu73M2wY
The Chiefs also elevated running back Nate Carter from the practice squad to add backfield depth against the Falcons, as reported by NBC Sports. Carter spent time with Atlanta last season, appearing in seven games and recording nine carries for 60 yards. Alongside them, Jadyn Ott is also listed on the roster, though Ott is questionable for this contest with a hamstring injury.
“He’s going to play anyway, whether Ken’s there or not,” Reid said. “Everybody has confidence in him.”
Andy Reid on Kenneth Walker III, who is dealing with groin tightness: "We're feeling it out just to see. We're not going to put him at risk. If he can go, he'll go. If he can't, he can't."
Roster Adjustments Across Offense and Defense
Kansas City enters Sunday’s matchup facing various roster considerations. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy is expected to play after exiting last week’s victory over the New York Jets with a hamstring injury, according to KSHB 41 Kansas City. The team is already without wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, who is on injured reserve with a dislocated ankle.
On the defensive side, lineman Chris Jones will travel to Atlanta independently due to a personal matter but carries no game designation, as reported by NBC Sports. Meanwhile, cornerback Mansoor Delane is expected to return following a shoulder absence, while right tackle Jaylon Moore and defensive lineman Peter Woods are ruled out due to ankle and neck injuries.
“Yeah man, again, it’s a next-man-up mentality. It’s the NFL. Any sporting team, that’s what happens,” offensive guard Trey Smith said, according to KSHB 41 Kansas City. “Football has a 100 percent injury rate.”
Earlier coverage: Chiefs' Walker III Misses Practice With Groin Injury
Keep reading
