Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker Close to Return? ‘No Doubt!’ - Pete Carroll
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III appears to be working his way back to a full-time role in the team’s offense.
After suffering a minor groin strain in the first practice of training camp, the second-year rusher has taken part in team activities since returning to the field on Saturday. According to coach Pete Carroll, Walker may be closer to a return to notable action than originally anticipated.
“Kenny is back in walkthrough now, he did the walkthroughs today too, he looked great,” Carroll told reporters on Tuesday. “He looked like he was flying out there. He’s going to make it back there's no doubt, he looked like he is healed. He needs more work too so we can guarantee that he can stay, but he looked great today.
“Kenneth Walker is going to be back no doubt,” he continued.
To amplify Carroll’s assessment, Walker practiced with the team Wednesday, though he did not mix into any team drills. Still, the sight of Walker wearing a Seahawks helmet was enough to send a great deal of excitement through the fanbase.
With former lead back Rashaad Penny forced to miss the remainder of last season due to suffering a lower leg requiring surgery, the Wake Forest-turned-Michigan State product gallantly stepped into Seattle's primary running back role. The rookie rushed for 1,050 yards on 228 carries (4.6 yards per carry average) with nine touchdowns. He also added 63 yards and a touchdown,during the Seahawks' 41-23 Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers. For his efforts, he was named to the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Despite having yet to be cleared for all team activities, Walker has looked to be far ahead of his predicted recovery schedule when taking part in individual work and blocking drills. Given that Carroll had originally declared the 22-year-old "week-to-week" when he incurred his injury, his performance has raised the level of anticipation for his eventual return. Still, the Seahawks would be wise to take a measured approach to welcoming him back to full duties. In the meantime, rookie second-round selection Zach Charbonnet and DeeJay Dallas have performed well as backfield options for Seattle and can step in if needed.
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