Four frustrating preseason injuries for the Seattle Seahawks
By Matt Conner
Kenneth Walker III
Bonnie and Clyde. Bartles & Jaymes. Ketchup and mustard. R. Kelly and prison time.
Some things are just meant to go together, and that's the vision beheld by the Seattle Seahawks for the backfield tandem of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. The team invested heavily at the position with successive second-round picks in the 2022 and 2023 NFL Drafts respectively in order to find the ultimate fits within the offense. Unfortunately, they've not been able to see the dynamic duo in action.
Walker was a revelation last season as a rookie back who absolutely took over after largely sitting out the first quarter of a season. In 11 starts in '22, Walker had 1,050 yards and 9 touchdowns for the Seahawks and showcased the threat-from-anywhere running style that made him such a high selection in the first place.
The Seahawks added Charbonnet out of UCLA this spring in order to keep the backfield as dynamic on third downs as it is will be on first and second ones. Charbonnet's hands are exemplary and he can also move the chains on the ground, so defenses will have to remain thoughtful in the box even in more obvious passing situations.
Unfortunately Charbonnet has been out himself, but Walker hasn't been active in practice since the start of camp. A groin injury has limited him for the entire preseason and that will keep him out of games as well. While long-term he could be just fine, it's made for a frustrating preseason at the whole position.