Every NFL team needs to stay healthy if they are going to reach its potential, but in the Seattle Seahawks' case, it might be doubly true. Seattle will have a lot of rookies on their 53-man roster, most likely, which puts more onus on the veterans to be available.
Wide receiver DK Metcalf might have been a mercurial player on the field for Seattle, but he rarely missed a game. Cooper Kupp was signed this offseason to be a big part of replacing the traded Metcalf, and he has a long list of injuries during his career. Kupp needs to be healthier in 2025.
One veteran who has only ever played for the Seahawks has to be available, too. Running back Kenneth Walker III missed two games in each of his first two seasons, but he missed six last year. He is capable of being one of the most productive backs in the league, but he won't be if he cannot play.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III already dealing with an injury in minicamp
Because of Walker's ability to catch the ball well, he should be a great fit in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system. He could play the same kind of role that Alvin Kamara did with the New Orleans Saints when Kubiak was there in 2024, and Walker has a lot to play for this coming season.
That is, if he is healthy. During June's minicamp, Walker is once again hurt.
This time, he is dealing with an ankle problem. Head coach Mike Macdonald told the media after practice on Tuesday, "He’s working through an ankle, but he should be fine."
Maybe if Week 1 of the 2025 season were next week, Walker would play, but he is beginning to verge on former Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny territory. Penny missed games than Walker, but Walker has been trending worse every year. The Seahawks have not had any contact in OTAs and minicamp, and yet Walker is already injured.
Lead RB Kenneth Walker again doing run fits with the starting offensive line in light group drills in #Seahawks minicamp. As in OTAs, not doing any scrimmaging. Coach Mike Macdonald said Walker has been dealing with an ankle issue the team believes is minor. @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/BHJRXIBGqC
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) June 11, 2025
Walker ran for more than 1,000 yards as a rookie in 2022, but his yards per carry have decreased every season since. Last year, he averaged just 3.7 yards a carry. Perhaps this is because he hesitates many times before attacking the line of scrimmage, or perhaps the Seahawks' offensive line has been so poor that he hasn't had many holes to run through.
Unlike backup Zach Charbonnet, who can move the pile a few yards sometimes, Walker is an explosive back who needs a glimmer of light to break off a 40-yard run.
He is also entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set for free agency next offseason. If he stays healthy, he likely will have a monster season and earn a hefty pay raise in 2026. If he can't, the Seahawks and other teams might be nervous about signing him. So far in minicamp. Walker is heading in the wrong direction.